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TODAY
Harper was very interested in Matt's shoelaces when he visited Studio 1A.
Just a few weeks ago, Harper the puppy was in a garbage bag. A woman in Sanford, Fla. noticed the pup's squirming, rescued her and turned her over to the local animal shelter, but the prognosis wasn't good: Harper was born with "swimmer puppy disorder," a usually fatal condition that prevented her from walking or even holding her head up.
Even Erica Daniel, a regular at the shelter, thought Harper would have to be euthanized when she took the dog home with her for what she thought would be one final day of tender loving care. She was surprised when Harper responded to massage, and today, after free hydrotherapy and massage donated by Hip Dog Canine Hydrotherapy & Fitness in Winter Park, Fla., Harper visited TODAY along with Erica.
The plucky gray pit bull pup still struggles a little with standing, but that didn't stop her from carefully inspecting all the interesting sights and smells in Studio 1A, including Matt's shoelaces -- or from melting the hearts of everyone she encountered. That includes TODAY viewers, many of who probably want to offer Harper a home. As it happens, she already has one -- but plenty of other pit bull terriers, many of them neglected and abused, do not. That's why Harper's rescuer, Erica Daniel, urges interested viewers to visit Dolly's Foundation, where they will finding many more dogs looking for loving homes. Thanks for the tip, Erica -- and Harper!
Watch Harper's antics in Studio 1A below:
Erica Daniel, who helped rescue a remarkable puppy who was tossed in the trash due to a birth deformity, tells TODAY's Matt Lauer that she initially thought "Harper" would have to be euthanized.
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Another sweet story that could have ended so differently.....look at those beautiful eyes!!!!
to all nay sayers.. who are against pit bulls, the breed is fine, the dogs are wonderful.. it is the people who are in charge of them..the dog who has a loving home will be a great addition to any family, I have two, well one is a mix but so am I (in so many ways), Pup is a mix boxer-pit and he is a joy, he is also 16 years old as of 10/31/11. He is doing just great and everyone loves him and vice versa. My girl, Lady Bug is a little shy she is 8 and typically just likes to be alone or with Pup. Now there are always exceptions to the rule and I also believe that some dogs/cats can have mental illness which would preclude their ability to 'go along to get along' as we people do (sometimes) any way I wish this pup much love and success and thanks to all who helped her along the way