Heroes don’t have to wear capes. Sometimes, their only accessory is a joyful smile, much like Harley! Harley, a Goldendoodle from Virginia, captured global attention with his heroic actions. This six-year-old dog was spotted by his owner, Ralph Dorn, about 200 feet from the shore, engaged in a dramatic rescue. Ralph noticed that Harley wasn’t merely enjoying a swim; he was actively rescuing another creature. Ralph always knew Harley was more than just an ordinary dog; he’s remarkably intuitive and incredibly smart. However, Harley’s actions on this day were especially surprising as he went to the aid of a drowning baby fawn.
Without hesitation, Harley sprang into action upon seeing the young fawn struggling in the water. He swam out to the fawn, which was floundering about 200 feet from the shore, and began guiding it to safety. The fawn, only a few days old and uncoordinated, was herded by Harley back to the shore.
“Every time the fawn tried to turn away, Harley would herd it back towards the shoreline and they kept getting closer and closer,” recounted Ralph. It was clear that without Harley, the fawn would not have survived. Upon reaching the shore, Harley gently licked the fawn, ensuring it was safe and showing reluctance to leave its side.
Soon after, the fawn’s mother appeared on the lawn. Seeing this, Ralph and Harley retreated indoors to allow the mother and her baby to reunite peacefully. Ralph thought the adventure was over, but Harley had more surprises in store. The next morning, while Ralph and his wife, Patricia, were having coffee, Harley became restless, running from window to window.
Not understanding Harley’s urgency at first, Ralph opened the front door. Harley bolted outside and found the same fawn he had rescued the day before. The fawn stopped bleating as soon as it saw Harley, and the two enjoyed a brief, joyous reunion, sniffing and wagging their tails at each other.
After a short while, Harley returned home, happy to have seen his little friend again. Harley’s extraordinary rescue was not out of character. Before becoming a local hero, he had worked as a certified therapy dog, assisting elderly folks and children in his community. His instinct to help and his remarkable compassion make him the perfect dog—always ready to act when needed. Harley truly embodies the spirit of a hero!
Toledo, United States.
