Some dogs just struggle overcoming their past. And in too many cases, we do not know that past when dogs enter rescue. We get them and we do the best to evaluate them and find the best home. But some are so aggressive toward humans that an adoption is not practical or ethical. Such was the case with Harlace. After much work and consultation with our vet and governing committee it was decided that Harlace was unadoptable, and the best course of action was to have him humanely euthanized. So surrounded by vet staff, he was allowed to peacefully cross the Rainbow Bridge and find the peace he sought, but could not find in this life.
We’re excited to share that today started a whole new chapter for Harlace. He’s now in the loving care of rescue, thank goodness. Special thanks to our volunteer Sonia who dropped everything to save him from the heat.
She writes: The story sounds familiar… Harlace had a dad. Then dad met a wife. Then the two had a baby and Harlace was no longer a priority.
Harlace went to live with his elderly grandpa. That didn’t go well, so outside Harlace went!
Supposedly, he had been living in a crate outside for a few days. But based on his smell, it may have been longer.
When the rescue wagon pulled up, Harlace was tied to a poll in a concrete breeze way waiting to be rescued. At least he had some shade, considering our high was 100 degrees, along with the stifling humidity.
Over all, Harlace seems to be in OK shape but man,, did he smell bad! The urine smell was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
Harlace is about 3 years old and I’m guessing he’s between 80-90 pounds. He was pretty stressed, so trying to give him a bath and take pictures was a bit challenging. We will let him decompress and try again later!
6/30/23 Update: Volunteer Sonia is helping Harlace decompress and get accustomed to the foster home. She said he’s even starting to show his playful side!
It was quite comical trying to give this big boy a bath!
1. He is not a fan of the water hose!
2. He is not a fan of the leash I tried to use. He was similar to an alligator in a death roll. He won that battle because I did not want to hurt him or lose a hand!
3. He loved getting lathered up and scrubbed with soap!
4. Foster Mom did not like chasing him around the yard to get the soap off.
5. He loved getting towel dried and was a champ if you got him to sit still long enough to clean his face!
6. He loves Vienna sausages!
7. He is a bulldozer and when you have 90 pounds of ‘dozer coming at you, well, you might be going down!
8. He might be part hound dog the way he howls, sometimes!
Harlace was introduced to a few of the girls yesterday and is doing great with them. He is a happy boy!
