About Harley

We are looking for a home for our dog, Harley, affectionately called Harles Barkley. He is a miniature, short-haired black and tan dachshund. He is approximately 10 pounds and we think around 8-9 years of age (he was adopted in 2010 from the Wake County animal shelter and was no more than 2 at that time). He is in good health overall, has had his teeth cleaned in the last 6 months, and gets along well with most other dogs and children. We are unsure if he gets along with cats as he has never really been exposed to them. Approximately 4 weeks ago, we noticed Harley walking funny one morning and brought him to our Vet. After taking an x-ray, the vet determined he had a mildly slipped disc (no loss of bowel and bladder function, still able to walk, and no pain). The treatment plan was for strict cage rest and a steroid taper. We did this for a few weeks with success, he seemed to improve significantly, but we brought him in for a follow up today and the vet suggested to continue additional prednisone and have limited activity (not necessarily strict cage rest), but to do our best to keep him safe (free from jumping, rough housing, stairs, sudden movements, etc.) He is doing well, but he is not back to baseline and is at risk of injuring himself. This is where our dilemma comes into play, we have another dog, two young children (4 years and 18 months), we live in a large home with lots of stairs and LOTS of movement. We are finding it increasingly difficult to keep Harley safe from accidental injury, and we are also finding it extremely disheartening to watch him watch the world from a cage in order to keep him safe. We are truly struggling to find the time to give him the attention he needs and deserves. This is not a decision that comes easy for us and this also will not be easy to explain to our daughter. We are interested in keeping Harley local if possible, and will only consider a home where he will get the attention he needs. Despite him being extremely gentle with kids and other dogs, we feel Harley would heal and thrive best in a home where there were no young children, other dogs, and perhaps where someone is home often. Our little guy just needs a lap and some love. If you know anyone, please feel free to contact us via email

Wake County
RALEIGH, North Carolina