Dog won special place in Arlington Hts. neighborhood
Editor's note: Proof that there may be no stronger bond than that between a man and his dog arrived once again in the visit of a tearful Wendi Cali of Arlington Heights to the Daily Herald office. She was moved to write an ode to Harley, who held a special place in her neighborhood on the 1100 block of Walnut Street, after the dog's untimely death last month. Here are excerpts from his life story:
I found Harley abandoned in Indianapolis and rescued him at 5 months old. He was an Australian Shephard/border collie mix and he was abused, yet he had a kindred spirit that helped him survive. He was very smart and intuitive.
At 9 months old, I brought Harley with me to my mom's home here in Arlington Heights and with much persistence, Harley sniffed out my mom's lung cancer, saving her life (the doctor said the unusual odor generated by the cancer may have been what alerted the dog).
After her surgery, Harley was very protective of her and became her therapy dog.
Harley loved everyone young and old, and every other animal, be it a large or small dog, cat or anything else, even skunks, which got him into a lot of trouble.
He grew up with the kids in the neighborhood. Boys would come over with remote-control cars, trucks and bicycles to show Harley. The little girl next door would read to Harley and do her homework with him on the driveway.
People came from all over with their dogs to see Harley and he had several girlfriends. Whenever someone's dog went missing, they would come to my house and find their dog playing with Harley.
Harley became the cook kid in town, even being invited to a boy's birthday party! Harley loved the holidays. Every Halloween, he would want to get dressed up early in the morning for the bus stop kids.
He would wear his Santa suit and with bells on his collar, he would get his picture with Santa every year. The boys down the street would sing carols to Harley and give him a Christmas gift every year. Other dog owners also would bring treats as gifts for Harley.
When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, Harley became my therapy dog.
Harley was my sweet baby boy, my best friend, my companion, my protector, my soul mate. He would have been 13 on Valentine's Day.
• Wendi Cali currently is looking for another Aussie mix to adopt, but because of her limited income can't afford the fees at most shelters. She has IV fluids she bought for Harley she could trade. Her phone number is (847) 644-3906.