Harley’s Dream – A Global Initiative In the Making
Educating the puppy buying public about the cruel reality of today’s breeding industry is the one thing which every one who cares, can do. There’s no excuse once we know about the problem, why we cannot, and should not do our bit. By talking to just one person who changes how they bring a dog into their lives for the better, this is making a difference. And it’s why I’m excited to see the growing success of Harley’s Dream, a newly established non-profit organisation. It’s an organisation built from grassroots support which focuses on educating people worldwide about the commercial dog breeding industry.
Harley, with his strikingly iconic one-eyed face is the puppy mill dog who in 2015 won the American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Award, which I wrote about here. His image and story are known internationally.
Photo credit: Rudi Taylor
When he died in March 2016 his parents Rudi and Dan Taylor were determined to continue raising awareness about the industry in which Harley suffered for 10 years. Harley’s Dream is their brainchild and in a short time it’s gained huge support.
There are 3 projects which are well underway:
1. Harley’s Heroes – encouraging people to form puppy mill awareness groups and take action in their communities. There are many suggestions on the website to what form this action might be, from distributing educational leaflets, taking part in local legislative processes, talking to local pet stores and businesses, schools, radio and media. The list of suggestions along with helpful downloadable resources is practical and informative and worth taking time to go through. A look at the map showing locations of the Harley’s Heroes’ Groups so far established is inspiring, they spread far across the United States and Canada.
www.harleysdream.org
The collective impact of these groups is potentially enormous and will play an active part in bringing this industry to an end, that I’m sure.
2. Signs from Harley is about establishing billboard signs nationwide to spread the message. At a cost of between $500 to $5000 depending on size, location and duration, this is a costly undertaking but one which has enormous potential. Rudi told me the goal is to raise enough funds to have the billboards in at least 20 US cities. It may be costly but it will be effective as it will reach millions of people.
Harley’s Dream Billboard Signs
3. Harley’s Dream Business Cards – so far over 100,000 have been shipped with many now in circulation.
Harley’s Dream Business Cards
This is such a simple, yet effective idea. Handing a card to anyone we meet and talk about the issues with keeps that issue present for that individual. Cards can easily be left in offices, put on local boards, or included in mail we send. Simple, easy to do, effective.
Three far-reaching projects. It’s a great time to support this iniative and with a Mission Statement like this Harley’s Dream is a project that has my full backing.
Harley’s Dream was established in 2016 to create awareness and educate the public about the commercial dog breeding industry, also known as puppy mills. We believe that a grassroots approach by large groups of concerned citizens is the most effective way to bring about change. Our focus is to encourage advocacy by providing the tools necessary to educate children and adults alike.
I’d love to see Harley’s Dream spread across the world. The UK could certainly do with getting something similar underway. If you’re interested in helping to build this, wherever in the world you are please contact me here, or Harley’s Dream direct. I’ve long believed that the industry will only end when the grassroots efforts of many make it impossible for it to continue. There are so many examples through history of things changing when enough people become aware and refuse to accept them any longer. Commercial dog breeding will be the same, I’m sure of it and helped along by organisations such as Harley’s Dream.
If you can support Harley’s Dream in any way, please do, the dogs need us all to play our part.
