On August 31, 2011, a puppy was rescued from a garbage bag in Central Florida. She was afflicted by a condition dubbed “swimmer puppy syndrome”, formally, pectus excavatum. It's rare in puppies, but when it happens it causes them to lie flat on their chests with their legs perpetually splayed out. It's usually a symptom of serious neurological problems that most puppies cannot survive. Veterinarians recommended putting her to sleep. (Photo by Dolly's Foundation)

Erica Daniel, who provides foster care to dogs in serious need, decided to take the puppy home for one full day of love and affection before she was to be put to sleep the next morning. After a few hours of being massaged and cuddled, Harper began to lift her head and move. Encouraged, Daniel contacted Bev McCartt, a therapist with Hip Dog Canine Hydrotherapy & Fitness in Winter Park, Fla. McCartt, pictured here, offered to treat the puppy free of charge. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

At her first hydrotherapy session, the puppy – whom Erica Daniel named Harper – responded remarkably well. Hip Dog therapist Bev McCartt explained that swimming helped teach Harper what her natural gait should be. “Her brain kicked in and by the end of her first session, she was like, “Oh, I can do this”, ” McCartt said. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

“Hydrotherapy and massage actually build on that instinct for a dog to move”, Hip Dog therapist Bev McCartt said, adding that Harper is “a real testament to a dog’s determination to get up and just go”. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

Erica Daniel, Harper’s foster mom and head of a dog-rescue organization called Dolly’s Foundation, said Harper has benefited from a mix of treatments: hydrotherapy, massage therapy and electric stimulation of her muscles. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

Harper has thrived after receiving personalized attention and care. Her foster mom, Erica Daniel, plans to give her up for adoption in late October – if she can stand parting with her. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

Harper took her first actual steps on grass, then on carpet, then on concrete. “She still can’t walk on tile or hardwood floors”, Erica Daniel said on September 20. “But she’s getting there”. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

Harper has been holding her own and playing happily with the seven other dogs at Erica Daniel’s home. “My dogs really egg her on”, Daniel said. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

“Pit bulls are just dogs”, said Erica Daniel, noting the negative image of Harper’s breed. “Dogs need love, and they need homes”. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

Harper has benefited from an outpouring of support from a variety of Central Florida residents. Flyin Fur Pet Photography donated photography services when capturing these “day in the life” images of Harper. All money raised from sales of Harper's photos was directed toward Harper's medical bills and the work of Dolly’s Foundation, Erica Daniel’s dog-rescue organization. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)

“The whole world was against her, but she’s such a fighter”, said Erica Daniel, Harper’s foster mom. “She’s a blessing. She’s awesome”. (Photo by Flyin Fur Pet Photography)