Mon, 19 Jan 2004 21:27:30 EST - from Caroline

I do everything online. I bank and pay bills online. I shop for clothes, household goods and books online. I found my house at Realtor.com. I met my boyfriend on an Internet dating site. And when I wanted to adopt a dog, I went online and found IMPS.

Harley was 9 years old and listed as an owner give up. The couple had bought him as a wedding present to each other. But now they both worked full time jobs and had a two year old daughter, who was "rough" with the dog. I applied and a few weeks later, Harley's mom brought him to my home. He joined me and my little 11 year old Maltese, Chelsea.

I quickly discovered that Harley had a fear of the remote and of cellphones. When I took him for a walk, he snarled at any small child who tried to pet him. I began to suspect that the original family had understated their rough treatment. The original mom wanted to drop by and visit Harley one day, and I agreed. When she arrived, Harley avoided her. He never approached her at all during the visit or allowed her to touch him. She felt awkward and said "He must think I'm going to take him back."

I worked with Harley to rebuild his trust. I petted him with the TV remote, and now he LOVES it. LOL For quite some time, I wouldn't allow any small child to pet him. Eventually, he learned that people of all sizes are kind.

Harley had been with me for a few months when he had his first grand mal seizure. He was jerking around on the floor like he was being electrocuted. I was terrified and thought he was in his death throes. Then I realized I was seeing an epileptic seizure. We visited the vet who said that there was no treatment for an occasional seizure, but if they became frequent, there was medication to reduce the frequency.

I went online to learn about canine epilepsy and discovered there were 4 causes. Hereditary (this will present within the first year or two of the dog's life), Ingested toxins (the vet did labwork and ruled this out), Brain tumor (Must be treated with surgery, Untreated, it continues to worsen over time and will eventually kill the dog.) and Repeated blows to the head which cause scarring in the brain, and seizures. THIS was what caused Harley's epilepsy! It absolutely broke my heart to realize that the family had been throwing TV remotes at Harley and beating him on the head severely enough to cause brain scars. How could they do this to such a wonderful little guy!!!

Eventually, Harley's seizures became more frequent, and we put him on an anticonvulsant medication. For almost two weeks he was in a stupor and walked like Frankenstein. I thought I might lose him. But he developed a tolerance for the medicine. It worked, he is his bouncy sparkly little self again, and hasn't had any seizures for 5 months (HOORAY).

I have had Harley for over two years now and can say that he has given me as much as I have given him. Together, we have triumphed over some difficult challenges. In spite of his health problems, I am lucky to have him in my life. Harley is a very loving and happy boy.

And, I have broken off all contact with the original family; Harley doesn't want to see them anyway. Good dog.

Caroline

Nighty night: The first evening I had Harley, I couldn't find him. Then I looked in the guest room and saw that he had pushed the covers back and put himself to bed.

Halloween Harley: My favorite. Harley LOVES to wear his little leather jacket. He knows he's adorable and when we go out, everyone makes such a fuss over him.

Chelsea and Harley: Just taking life easy in the back yard. He quickly learned that she might be smaller, but she's the boss.

Captain Harley: Who would have guessed that Harley arrived knowing how to drive the houseboat? Is he a smart dog, or what!