Harley’s Hope is celebrating 16 years of helping pets and people stay together this month. More than 13,300 animals have been impacted by our work, and while every one of those pets is special to the people who love them, some stand out in our collective memory.

Una was one of those unforgettable pets.

We first heard from Una’s person, Mary, in 2013. She was seeking assistance in obtaining a prosthetic leg for Una, who had undergone a partial amputation of her right leg due to severe frostbite. Harley’s Hope has helped many families facing amputations over the years, but it was the story behind Una’s injury that left a lasting impression.

Una was one of approximately 100 sled dogs abandoned on a mountaintop near Hartsel, Colorado, and left to die. Fortunately, most of the dogs were rescued and taken to shelters throughout the region. It was at one of those shelters that Mary, a retired schoolteacher, met and fell in love with Una.

After bringing Una home, the two quickly formed a close bond and settled into comfortable daily routines. But one particularly frigid evening, when Mary took Una outside for a final potty break before bed, something startled the dog and she bolted.

Mary searched desperately for hours, but eventually the dangerous cold forced her back indoors. She left the porch lights on and spent a sleepless night hoping to hear Una bark at the door. That never happened. Instead, the following morning, Una dragged herself back onto the property. Mary found her injured and in obvious distress. She later learned that a neighbor had found Una but, rather than bringing her inside while trying to locate her owner, had tied her up outdoors overnight in the freezing temperatures.

Mary sought help from several veterinarians, many of whom advised her to euthanize Una because the frostbite damage to her legs was so severe. But Mary refused to give up. Eventually, she found a veterinarian willing to fight alongside her. He amputated the lower portion of one leg and did everything possible to save the others.Mary was grateful that Una’s life had been spared, but in the months that followed, she watched her energetic working-breed dog struggle with her new limitations. Una loved to run, and it was heartbreaking to see her unable to do what came naturally.

That’s where Harley’s Hope entered the story.

A company in Canada was able to create a prosthetic leg for Una, but the cost was beyond what Mary could afford on a retired teacher’s pension. She applied to Harley’s Hope for assistance, and we were honored to help make that prosthetic a reality. We were also fortunate to attract the attention of a local television station that wanted to meet this remarkable little dog and the woman who loved her so fiercely. Mary and Una traveled to Black Forest, where we witnessed firsthand what that prosthetic meant. Una tore around the property as if nothing had ever happened, full of energy and joy.

Over the years, Mary sent Harley’s Hope cards and letters updating us on Una’s adventures and progress. Sadly, Una crossed the Rainbow Bridge several years ago, and Mary eventually moved out of state. While we were saddened to learn of Una’s passing, we remain grateful that we were able to play a small role in improving her health, happiness, and quality of life.

Recently, Mary reached out once again. She made a donation in Una’s memory and asked that we add a tribute to her beloved companion to our Memorial Wall. You can view Una’s tribute here: https://www.harleys-hopefoundation.org/memorial-wall/

If there is a special animal who has left a lasting imprint on your heart, we invite you to create a tribute of your own and help us honor the pets whose love continues long after they are gone.