My Harley Sue

~In Loving Memory of Harley Sue ~

May 26, 1995 - October 17, 2008

My best friend, Lori, and I had been having some "peeping-tom" issues in our backyard, so set-out to find a good outdoor, "guard dog" to keep the peepers away from our windows. We had no intention of returning home with a tiny puppy, only weeks old, but fell in love with little Harley at a local pet adoption. She was "free to a good home", and we snatched her up quickly!

Harley was a Shepard-Rhottweiler mix, and we quickly learned that she was a very smart, loyal, and special dog. She went everywhere with me/us - boating (above), camping, hiking in the beautiful Colorado mountains, and anywhere else we could take her. Everyone loved Harley! (Harley could only get one ear to stand up...)

Harley was a great addition to our "family", which also consisted of Lori's children, Randi and Vince, a Schnauzer named "Rebel", and then a later addition of "Hailey", a Great Pyranese/Border Collie Mix. We definitely had a full house!

Randi, Harley and Hailey ~ Harley's Birthday






Harley loved to run, but more than anything always wanted to be near me. She used to jump Lori's 6 foot fence and chase my car up the street when I left for work!





Harley also loved the snow! she had a great time at my parents house in Colorado Springs during the October blizzard of 1997!

Harley wasn't so thrilled to move to Florida in 2001, but still only seemed to care about being with me. She did get to swim in the ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, along with playing at many great dog parks! We always had to keep an eye out for those gators!!!

In August of 2004, I adopted a Rhodesian Ridgeback, Nylah. Harley was very tolerant of Nylah, and they loved to play and go to the dog park. As Harley grew older, Nylah played too rough with her and blew out her knee. At age 12, Harley had to have reconstructive knee surgery.

My husband, Richie, and I then decided to adopt another dog for Nylah to play with and leave Harley alone. Adara, our Red Doberman, joined the family during the Summer of 2007. It was later this year that we moved to Texas. We made it through the remainder of the hot summer, and then enjoyed a much cooler winter than in Florida. We even got a few inches of snow in the Spring of 2008.

It was towards the end of Summer this same year when Harley started to really slow down and have problems with her hind legs. The vet placed her on medication, which helped tremendously, but only for a couple of months. In October, we knew it was time for her to go to heaven, as she could no longer enjoy all of the things she loved here with us.

Harley will always hold such a special place in my heart, as I know that no other dog with ever be able to offer all of the love and loyalty that she gave so willingly. If you ever were fortunate enough to know her, you will know exactly what I'm talking about.

We love you, Harley!!!