Harley came to Holly Hedge on a cold day in February in a very sorry state. She was taken straight to the vet as it was obvious there was something very wrong with her. She couldn’t walk properly, and was shuffling around in circles and seemed to be in a lot of pain. We knew this poor dog had been kept outside in a kennel for at least 2 years because she was incontinent. Once a loved house pet, at the age of 11 years old and very arthritic she was an inconvenience, so banished to the garden! We were told that Harley hadn’t seen a vet since she was a puppy, and she had never been given any pain relief for her arthritis.

The vet kept her in overnight for observation with a view to doing X-rays the following day. It was apparent that Harley was suffering deep rooted pain and was also very sore and ulcerated with urine scald where she had been lying in her own urine. She couldn’t walk, only shuffle along on her 2 front legs. The X-rays showed there may have been some trauma to the spine and her hips were very stiff with arthritis, she also had muscle wastage in her back end. The prognosis wasn’t good.

There was no way this poor old girl could go into a kennel, so she came to me to be fostered and assessed for her quality of life. Harley looked so pitiful – a broken little dog in body and spirit, with nothing but a blank expression in her sad eyes and was very hand shy. She could hardly walk and it was heart breaking to see her struggling. It was so upsetting to see, and I knew if she didn’t improve it would be kinder to have her quietly put to sleep – but she deserved a chance. Poor Harley was also in season. She had only just been put on strong pain killers and other soothing medication for her skin that day, so it was hoped she would soon be feeling brighter. She was definitely totally incontinent both ends and could pee for England, bless her! Harley had to be washed down several times a day but this dear sweet dog never complained. She enjoyed her food and loved to be cuddled, as well as her daily massages. Slowly but surely, I could see her improving and thriving – not just in her body, but in her demeanour too. After a couple of weeks Harley began to walk a few steps at a time unaided, the medication and being in a warm home environment along with lots of TLC was working well. I was soon able to take her out for short walks which she so looked forward to, and even managed a game of football for a few minutes at a time. To my horror she made it upstairs all by herself as she was beginning to get inquisitive – except she couldn’t get back down again and had to be carried! She was still incontinent, but not nearly as bad. The day she gave me her first Staffie smile melted my heart – it wasn’t the biggest smile, but I knew then that Harley really was happy. She loved having visitors and always took centre stage enjoying treats brought especially for her. But she still had a way to go. Would the right home ever come along for this amazing little miracle who fought so hard to live a normal life?

Weeks later, when I thought she was here to stay, the most wonderful couple contacted Holly Hedge. They had recently had to have their own much loved Staffie put to sleep, who had also been incontinent, but they didn’t mind and even had suitable flooring put down just for her. Knowing Harley’s history, they still wanted to meet her and it really was love at first sight, for her as well as them.

A lot of tears were shed when Harley went to her new home, but I knew in my heart she was going to the best home ever for however long she had left, with 2 amazing and lovely people who were totally dedicated to making her happy.

JO and JONATHAN, you took this sweet little dog into your home and your hearts and you made her whole again, her life complete because she had all the love in the world and everything she could have wished for, albeit for a short time. Harley had your unconditional love and unwavering devotion. The photos you sent were so heart warming – and she had the widest, beaming Staffie smile ever and a twinkle in her eyes. The power of love does amazing things and you both worked wonders for Harley. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving her all the love in the world until it was time for her journey across the Rainbow Bridge. No one could have done more for her.

HARLEY, Holly Hedge give their solemn promise to always be there for animals in need of help, and to love and care for them until their forever home comes along. RIP knowing, we will keep this promise to you and to each and every precious rescue who passes through our gates.

From Jo and Jonathan:
We would like people to share and promise that if they see animals in need or in danger, they would report it. What we know is we took a lovely sweet dog that had been lovingly cared for by Pauline and you all gave Harley a chance.

Harley was given a chance to live and love by Holly Hedge which we will be eternally grateful for the honour and pleasure of having Harley for the time we had with her. We fell in love with a broken girl with an old spinal injury and due to her injuries was completely incontinent but she showed us spirit, strength and soul. Harley learned to walk, as it be like a crab, play, as it be, we throw we fetch and love, the blow kisses the little licks and I’m going to snatch your hand off for treats love.

Harley was loved and will not be forgotten; she was sadly diagnosed with a brain tumour after all the cruelty she had suffered to be taken away from a family finally that truly loved her.

Please do not let animals like Harley suffer & spend most of their lives neglected and suffering, report it and make a promise to Harley.

Even though Harley was recently put to sleep we thought we would still like to tell this brave girl’s story. Harley had 5 months of being loved and cherished and we are privileged to have given her this happy time and so grateful to Jo and Jonathan for giving her such a wonderful few months in their loving care.