On August 31, 2011 a 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. Shelter workers and veterinarians grimaced when they saw the dog and came to the same conclusion: She really should be euthanized.

That’s when Dolly’s Foundation stepped in. Erica 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.

Photos credit Flyin' Fur Pet Photography

Erica massaged Harper’s tight muscles, hoping to alleviate some of her stiffness and pain. Within just a few hours, Harper started lifting her head and looking around. Her front legs became more limber as well, so much so that she tried using them to walk and pull herself around.

Convinced that this determined little dog needed a second opinion, she canceled the following morning’s appointment and made a new, hopeful one with a veterinarian at the University of Florida. At first, the vet described the reasons Harper probably would need to be put to sleep. The list included the likelihood of degenerative bone disease, brain abnormalities and a severe heart murmur.

Photos credit Flyin' Fur Pet Photography

Despite the veterinarians grim recommendations, we pressed on with testing. We knew Harper wanted to live, and we were going to do everything possible to make that happen.

We learned that she has a condition called Pectus Excavatum (Swimmer Puppy Syndrome). We also learned that she has a brain condition, Hydrocephalus, and a heart condition, Pulmonic Stenosis. They are both mild and will require monitoring, but not surgery.

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.”

Photos credit Flyin' Fur Pet Photography

Now, Harper is almost like a normal dog. She runs, plays, and even started training!

Harper’s joy for life, despite the hand she was given early on, is incredible. Her determination can teach us all something. Her love for humans, even after what they put her through is admirable.

Harper, you are an inspiration to us all. We love you.

-From Dolly's Foundation

I have numerous people send me pictures of their dogs to paint, often with hilarious or miraculous stories of their pup’s antics as well as the all too often notification of their loving companion crossing the rainbow bridge.  But when my right-hand person Matt, brought the story of Harper to my attention, well I just couldn’t stop thinking about this little girl.

Sure she was as sweet as they come, making me want to paint her for the most simplest of reasons, but then there was the story.  And not just her story, but the story of Erica that knew she needed to give this little helpless puppy just one great night of love and devoted attention prior to euthanasia, to make her feel special while spending her short time on this planet.  Then, miracle of all miracles, Harper returned the love by showing Erica that she wasn’t done yet.  That there wasn’t a good reason to put this pup down, that this pup was staying here with us – you can read their story here.

Well, as most of you know, I start with the eyes – and Harper had such deep, soulful blue eyes, that I couldn’t wait to set them to canvas and let her talk me through the painting process.  What a treat to stare into those baby blues while creating this piece.  I have only painted a few blue-eyed pups in my 20 years as an artist.

I chose the pose of her laying with her paws out in memory of how she came into Erica’s life.  I gave her my now trademark red ears, as they are so much a part of her character and personality.  And I finished with a purple background to accent her colors and as a calm relaxing color to say “I am now at peace, I have a life and a person to thank for my chance at being a dog.”  These pits get such a bad rap all too often, but not this little girl, she will go on to set the bar for pits and dogs all around the world.  Walk tall Harper, with your head held high and your tail a wag’n – you are my inspawration!