Harvey came into rescue after being found as a wandering stray in Texas. He was brought to an animal shelter which is where SWESR found him. During Harvey’s vetting he was diagnosed as Chagas positive, so he spent some months with an experienced SWESR foster in Texas who provided him a settled home while he began Chagas treatment and could decompress from the stress of being a stray.
During this same time, Alan and Janet were searching for a four-legged addition to their family. They had recently lost two beloved dogs, and not only was the human family missing these two pups, but so was their surviving dog, a Golden Retriever named Evie, who had lost her two best friends. Their one criteria for the new dog was that it be a size they could comfortably lift. Eighty-pound Golden Retrievers were now out of the question.
Alan and Janet fell in love with Harvey through a video they saw on Petfinder. The whole family watched the video and agreed in unison: “This is the dog. This is the one.” New to English Setters, they had never heard a dog roo before, and they were charmed with Harvey’s vocalizations, personality, and very good looks. They had several thorough conversations with SWESR, who ensured they understood the differences between English Setters and Golden Retrievers. After a successful home visit, Harvey came home to his new family in April 2024. SWESR continued to support Harvey’s Chagas treatment, filling his prescriptions and providing guidance as needed for his mom as he regained his full health. As of November 2024, Harvey was declared Chagas free!
Harvey settled easily into his new family life. His canine sister, Evie, helped him learn how to be a family dog. She taught him to play and introduced him to the family routine. Initially, Harvey was hesitant about going through the magnetized screen door to access the back yard. It seemed he wasn’t sure he would be able to get back inside, and Harvey liked where he was now!
The backyard is a dream for him. It’s large and fenced in, and he can run and play to his heart’s content. Harvey has two speeds: Go and Stop, and when he’s going, he’s 100% committed. While he likes to play with stuffed toys, he prefers to play with other dogs. At the dog park he will approach dogs one at a time, nipping at their heels to get them to chase him. When one dog tires of the game, Harvey finds another dog and repeats the nipping and the “Chase Me!” game. Then he finds another dog, and then another…
Harvey hasn’t read the memo that tells him he’s a bird dog, as he is fascinated by deer. His Setter behaviors are on full display when he spies deer, during his on-leash walks or in his back yard. He stands stock still and sets them all. When the deer scatter, as they will, Harvey becomes crazed with excitement and vocalizes so loudly and excitedly that once a neighbor came outside to see if everything was okay.
Due to the death of a close family member, a third dog has been added to the household. Eight-year old mixed breed Sweetie joined the crew, and just as Evie taught Harvey how to play, now Harvey has taught Sweetie how to play. He only wishes she would play nicely with the squeaky toys, rather than destroy them.
While not a lot is known of Harvey’s background, some assumptions can be made due to his reactions to completely innocent events. Cowboy hats hang on a rack in the house, and Harvey’s never been phased by them. Alan once donned one on a whim, and when Harvey saw him he became very frightened and ran away. Needless to say, his humans felt terrible for scaring him. The hat quickly came off and has never been put on again. On another occasion Harvey saw Alan cleaning his guns, and he panicked, sprinting around the house in fear. Nowadays Janet will take Harvey for a walk when Alan needs to tend to the guns.
Overall, Harvey is a happy, busy boy. He loves his whole family, but he has decided his mom is his special person. When Janet sits down on the sofa or an easy chair, Harvey literally lays across her and falls asleep. Harvey also deeply loves his dad. Late afternoons he will wait at the door, and when Harvey hears the garage door open, he’s front and center for after work play time with Dad. Harvey is also a smart dog. Although he is treat motivated, he has developed a dislike for peanut butter, because he learned his Chagas medications were below the creamy, peanut-y goodness. He continues to be a vocal boy, roo’ing for his morning walk and at meal times.
His humans are overjoyed with Harvey. Evie is thrilled to have a new canine best friend. Initially timid upon adoption, Harvey’s attitude now is “This is my house. This is my yard.” Harvey is having FUN and enjoying life.
Harvey’s story illustrates the profound and positive ripple effects rescue can have. One adoption can change many lives, human and dog, for the better. Harvey’s parents are grateful to SWESR for allowing Harvey to live his best life.
