Dr. Tara Harris leads a busy life of helping others. By day, she’s a pediatrician who specializes in treating young victims of sexual abuse. When she’s not at her day job, she runs Every Dog Counts, a rescue organization she started in 2010. Every Dog Counts helps the most vulnerable dogs, including those that are elderly, disabled, or recovering from abuse.
At the end of January, Every Dog Counts rescued a puppy who’d suffered horrific abuse at the cruel hands of her owner’s boyfriend. The puppy, named Halsey, had skull fractures, a broken jaw, broken ribs, and a broken forearm. Dr. Harris says it’s one of the worst cases of animal cruelty she’s ever seen.
Things are looking up for the precious pup, however. Halsey started to act like a puppy again about a week later, wagging her tail and greeting people with kisses. When her health improves, she’ll be put up for adoption.
Dr. Harris says her choices to work with abused children and animals were inspired by a natural desire to help the most innocent. This unsung hero’s admirable work reminds us how important it is to look out for those who are vulnerable and defenseless — no matter what their species.
