Handicapped Puppy Melts Hearts on Today Show
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22 commentsA woman in Sanford, Florida, first encountered Harper when she spotted a squirming garbage bag. There was a man outside a Save-A-Lot selling Pit Bull puppies. This woman approached him and noticed a noise coming from a garbage bag he was holding.
She asked him, ‘What’s in the bag?’ and he said, ‘Don’t worry about it.’ The woman pressed the issue and the man gave her the bag. Inside was a puppy so deformed that it couldn’t walk or hold up its head.The seller agreed to turn the puppy over to the woman, who brought it to Seminole County Animal Services.
photo, cover photo: © Flyin Fur Pet Photography
That’s when Dolly’s Foundation stepped in. Erica Daniel decided to take the puppy home for one full and final day of unabashed affection. She had to show her what it was like to be loved. She’d planned on taking Harper home that night, letting her sleep in their bed, and having her humanely euthanized in the morning.
By the time the next morning arrived, Daniel was convinced that a second opinion was needed. When she got it, and didn’t like what she heard, she sought a third. Despite warnings of potential heartbreak, Daniel took Harper under her wing, determined to find a way to make her well. With the help of a local business, time, and much love, she succeeded.
Hip Dog Canine Hydrotherapy & Fitness in Winter Park, Florida donated free hydrotherapy and massage therapy for Harper. Harper responded remarkably well, and before long she actually started walking. Bev McCartt, a Hip Dog therapist, explained that swimming has helped teach Harper what her natural gait should be. “Her brain kicked in and by the end of her first session, she was like, ‘Oh, I can do this,’ ” Bev said. “She’s a walking miracle. She’s a real testament to a dog’s determination to get up and just go.”
Harper beat the odds and endeared herself to a nation of cheerleaders as news of her story spread. She was invited to appear on The Today Show just yesterday, and Daniels shared her inspirational journey with Matt Lauer.
My heart goes out to this puppy, & who saved him, god bless you!!! I wish there were more people like you in this world!!!! Thankyou for helping this poor little soul!
I’ve worked at a hydrotherapy center for dogs and this story doesn’t surprise me. It’s amazing what can be achieved with a little tenacity and the proper physical therapy.
I hope Harper has a long and healthy life.
Harper is a beautiful little girl. This puppy is getting the love that she so deserves.. Erika is a Godsend.
Harper is a beautiful little baby. That is a remarkable story. All because someone cared and took the time to show this baby love.
Thank you Erica and all that are helping Harper…what a beautiful story and continued prayers for Harpers progress.
This is such an amazing story. Erica Daniel, you are angel. Thank you for saving that precious soul.
Adorable! A heart-warming piece, with laughter at the end! Thanks for sharing.
What an inspiring story to start the day with, thanks for the update. All the best to Harper and those involved with helping her!
You are amazing,thanks for saving Harper.BIG THANKS TO THE TODAY SHOW FOR AIRING THIS
Just because someone or something is different doesn’t make them outcast. This is what gives them character and makes them more special.
Beautiful baby
I hope the guy who put her in the trash bag was charged with animal cruelty.
God Bless Erica for her big heart. She should be an inspiration to everyone. Harper’s progress is remarkable and it shows you how much love Erica showed Harper was needed for his improvement. I wish both of them the best things life has to offer (although I think they already have it all).
god bless each and every one who has given this pup a chance at life!… the media and people in general has fought so hard to destroy this breed, but there somethings just arent going to happen!.. luv our pit bulls!…
thank you to the angel who took the time and dedication to save this sweet heart.many blessings sent her way.praying for this puppy to live a long happy healthy life w unconditional love.xoxoxp to both of you…..Dorothy
Harper is looking good. Keep up the good work!
thank god the puppy was rescued! and for the people who saved him. i just hope the lady that had the puppy in the bag is getting help.i just do not understand how people can do the cruel things that you hear about, they are loveable and deserved to be treated well, they are not a toy or something to be abused. my cat is part of my family, i see her not as a pet.. i am thankful that the people who rescued her is giving her a chance at life and to be a normal dog.
Harper is a beautiful dog. The woman who save her is a true hero. The guy selling the puppies and breeding dogs is a MONSTER and should be locked up forever.
the dumb person that said that god had nothing to do withthis puppys recovery is just what I said dumb !!!!!
There are so many people that become involved in a story like this. You have the rescue, the therapists, the trainers, the foster mom, who has put the work into this little sweet thing. God works in mysterious ways, and none of us truely know. What we do know, is, without this particular rescue, and these special people, Harper would not be here today. So, lets just say, hats off the the work of special people, and to special dogs…. The most misunderstood breed in history.
My hats off to all of you.
there should be another button to press besides “like” like one labled “love” what a story. bless you little one. pauline
It’s amazing what love can do!!!! Thank you for taking a chance and saving this sweet little soul!!! You are all angels!!! You are all my idols!!!!