The Dog behind the MISSION

One day my Mom and I were walking in our neighborhood when we were suddenly approached by an something rather odd. There was a tall woman and her companion was a very tiny [and may I say adorable] Beagle. The woman was friendly and her little dog was oh so cute. But this was not the unusual part. What was odd was the little dog had a very hurtful choke collar on!! I knew exactly what my Mom was thinking. Is that necessary? Does the woman know how inhumane and hurtful a collar like that is? Probably not, because she never wore one. 

As we passed the woman and her dog, my Mom and I were in shock and thought the woman was probably thinking that she was "training" her dog or doing what was "best" for her friend. We knew it was wrong. Choke collars are a very inhumane way of training, which teaches dogs through violence, furthermore these collars are not successful, the way some owners may perceive them to be. I doubt anyone would want sharp, poking, metal prongs digging into their throat just for making a behavioral error. 

When we passed, we desparately wanted to say something like, " why do you have a choke collar on your dog, especially a dog that probably doesn't weigh more than 25 lbs.?" Or "what? you can't control your dog?" Or "have you ever thought about actually training your dog, instead of opting for violence?" We had a lot to say, but said nothing. 


Another day, we were walking in our community when we saw a woman smack her dog across the face for barking at us. Sure, it wasn't nice her dog was barking, but dogs are going to bark. If you don't want them to, then it is mandatory that you train them otherwise with positive reinforcement with treats and praise versus violence anger. It makes perfect sense. I was taken back by how nasty her smack was, but would you believe that my Mom actually yelled out "you aren't going to stop your dog's violent behavior by being violent toward your dog!!!" 

These stories, along with MANY others, give birth to our mission, Harley's Mission. My Mom and I go on a lot of walks, hikes and dog parks so we see a lot of leader-dog relationships. But sadly, the relationship that we see between the leader and the dog is heartbreaking all to often. Initially people have good intentions when they choose to get a new friend, for reasons like loyalty, friendship, exercise buddy, responsibility and more, but somewhere along the line forget about all the necessary training, dedication, support that it takes to make a happy relationship. Harley's Mission is to rectify this relationship by teaching the community about being responsible for both you and your dog's well being and happiness. There is a lot to consider to ensure that this relationship is positive, but do not worry that is why you have Harley's Mission. Your go-to for all things relating to your dog. We are an open, supportive team here to be a resource for the betterment of canine-kind and the relationship between all humans and their dogs.

EDUCATION is the fundamental backbone to my story and to so many dogs. My story starts out as a sad one, but with a very happy ending. Although I couldn't be more grateful for my new home and new family, I feel its important to tell you about my past.


I was surrendered to the animal shelter because my former-family got evicted from their home and did not take me with them. Instead they left me in the evicted house, where the landlord found me and then brought me to the shelter. It was scary and unnecessary for my former "family" to get rid of the me this way. I feel that if these people were educated on being responsible, then perhaps my life would have been a little bit easier. 

This is the basis behind HARLEY'S MISSION. We value our readers and hope to provide you with a educational resource that benefits the bond between leaders and dogs alike.

Facts about Harley:

• I am a pro at the following commands:
• Sit
• Lay down
• Stay
• Shake [with both paws]
• I was rescued from the animal shelter on February 27, 2009, by my parents Janel and Ari
• My guilty pleasures are cheese and carrots
• I take Burdock Root, a natural herb, that relieves my sensitive skin
• I love to laugh, a lot
• I am jet black, but have a couple of extra colors: shades of chocolate and vanilla
• I love to sleep in
• My parents tell me "good boy" when I jump on the bed, because they love me
• I love jumping into lakes, especially dirty ones
• I love to lean against anything that isn't flat, i.e. walls, beds, chairs, desks, books etc.
• I am working to become a Pet Therapy dog, which starts very soon
• I love people especially kids
• I hate rubber toys and tennis balls
• I am obsessed with shadows and flashlights

Stay Tuned for forthcoming, "The Human behind the Mission."

*Harley's Friends Edition* Rescue Dogs Come in ALL Shapes and Sizes

Sure, most people think that if you rescue or adopt a dog they are mixed breed or a "mutt." Many dogs are qualified as this, although it is not a negative thing, it is not necessarily the case. Many people choose to have a specific breed because of their size, behavior or temperament. Did you know that there are hundreds of pet rescues that are breed specific? Of course there is not a rescue for every breed (which means you should start one today!) but for the most popular breeds there most certainly are. Here are a few examples: Boxer,  Great Dane, Pit Bull, Yorkie,  or Maltese just to name a few!

There are millions of dogs that need a home right now, that are packed full at your local (or not local) dog rescue or animal shelter. In later posts I will discuss the importance of adopting and rescuing a dog versus buying, but for now, I just want to illustrate that all breeds need rescuing, even very popular breeds. Just take it from our good friend Baxter, who had a not-so-good childhood.

There is no doubt that Baxter isn't adorable, which is why I am sure his previous owners brought this little guy into their home. But as time passed the family was unable to care for him. They neglected him (abused him?) and did not provide him with essential care and love.

POP QUESTION: WHY would anyone accept a dog into your life and home, but not be willing to care, train and love him/her? If anyone has the answer to this question, please e-mail me ASAP.

So sadly, little Baxter was dropped off at a a local dog supply store, where he waited until someone would adopt him. His soon-to-be Mom instantly feel in love with Bax (as his Mom calls him) and decided that it was the right time for her to bring a dog into her home. She decided then and there that she would care for this pooch and make sure that not only his essential needs were met, but that he would be supplied with endless quantities of love. The canine community is so grateful for stories like this. We need to teach people the importance of rescuing dogs, in general. Whether you prefer a specific breed, size or temperament, please consider what you are "getting" yourself into. Dogs tend to live about 10-16 years (depending on the breed, size, health of dog) and must have all essential needs met, including but not limited to training, love, socialization and anything else that will promote a high quality life for your companion.

According to Bax's self-proclaimed "over protective" dog-Mom, he is the happiest little guy who continually brings so much joy and love to his family.

If you have a happy story with a happy ending about your rescue or adopted pooch and would like a feature on Harley's Mission, please e-mail us at HarleysMission@gmail.com