Sadly, many dog owners never learn how to properly look after their animals, and the consequences can be heartbreaking.
They too often forget that dogs feel deeply, and that to live healthy, happy lives they require steady love, attention, and compassion.
In Harvey’s case, he was raised in a setting that prevented him from experiencing normal puppy life. He was denied the simple freedoms and care every young dog deserves, and he paid the price.
Fortunately, after some time, Harvey encountered two kind humans who would transform his world and give him the loving home he needed.
Pup Named Harvey
Before Harvey discovered his forever home, he lived with a family who didn’t know how to handle his severe separation anxiety.
Instead of helping him work through it, they chose to chain him outside, away from everyone. They believed isolation would solve the problem, but it only left Harvey unable to run freely or enjoy life.
For almost an entire year, Harvey remained tied up, until eventually he was surrendered to a pound in Oregon where he waited for someone to see his worth.
One day, a man walked through the shelter looking for a companion. While most dogs barked and vied for attention, Harvey stayed quiet and to himself. That calm demeanor caught his eye.
“When they were in the play yard Harvey came over and fully leaned on him. And I was like, oh yeah, you get the lean from the dog, you know that you are in,” Olivia, Harvey’s mom, told GeoBeats.
That single gesture sealed the deal. Olivia’s partner knew immediately that Harvey was the right dog for him.
From that moment, Harvey clung tightly to his new dad, struggling whenever he stepped away. Even short absences made Harvey anxious.
Over time, though, he began to understand. His dad always returned, and there was no longer any reason to fear being left behind.
The first time Harvey met Olivia was during her very first date with his dad. Just as quickly as the humans bonded, Harvey and Olivia formed their own instant connection.
Newfound Freedom
Once Harvey officially became part of the family, everything changed.
His world transformed into one filled with freedom, adventures, and love. No more chains, no more restrictions, just endless opportunities to explore.
“We live in Oregon and we love exploring all of it. He is out in the snow, he is out skiing, he is doing all sorts of outdoorsy dog things,” she said.
The family lives near a river, which couldn’t be more perfect for Harvey. Swimming quickly became one of his favorite activities, and he spends hours splashing happily in the water.
Most importantly, Harvey finally learned that his people would never abandon him. Their patience helped him find independence and rebuild trust.
“It has been so nice seeing him find that independence and trust and know that I can take space away from my parents and that doesn’t mean that when I come back inside they are not going to be there,” she added.
And Harvey’s joy only grew when a new four-legged sibling joined the family, giving him a playmate and companion to share his days with.
The Perfect Home
Harvey truly struck gold with the humans who chose him. Olivia pours her entire heart into every animal she cares for, and Harvey is no exception.
“With any animal in my life specifically is going to get an infinite amount of love and care and compassion because that’s just the relationship that I would strive to have with my animals,” said Olivia.
Knowing Harvey’s difficult past, she admits he receives an even greater share of affection. She is determined to make up for the year he lost as a lonely, chained puppy.
Today, Harvey radiates happiness, a reflection of the devotion his family gives him daily. It is clear that both Olivia and her partner succeeded in turning his life around.
Thanks to them, Harvey now knows that life can be magical, and he will never again have to wonder what it feels like to be loved.
