By Justin Strawser
SHAMOKIN - Harper, the 3-month-old brindle pit bull that was thrown down a bank behind the Springfield Cemetery in January 2012, made an appearance at the Shamokin Youth Girls Basketball League tournament Tuesday evening to help fetch donations for Mostly Mutts.
With Harper by her side, Mostly Mutts Inc. owner Cheryl Hill accepted a $350 check raised by the concession stand for the no-kill Sunbury area animal shelter from Kristy Kelley, concession manager, and her daughters, Elyse Kelley, 11, and Celia Kelley, 1.
The league also donated six boxes of treats, five bags of dog food and an additional $220 in donations collected at the tournament.
League president Bob Getchey was emotional as he spoke about Harper and supporting Mostly Mutts.
“It’s to help her (Harper) with medical expenses. Them dogs would be put to sleep (if not for Mostly Mutts),” he said.
There were 31 sponsors that donated time and money to make the tournament, in its third year, a success, he noted.
Harper captured the hearts of many people in the area when it was originally found at the bottom of a cliff on a cold day last year. It barely breathing and unable to move its legs.
Hill said Tuesday the dog has matured into a trusting dog that loves people and other animals, but it still has balance issues and bad vision in one eye.
The organization is currently looking for a home for Harper, but the owners must live on a first floor, be willing to train it to be housebroken and be able to provide therapy for its legs.
“I’m glad we could help her (Hill), and I’m glad Harper is doing good,” Getchey said.
The dog’s former owners, Michael Wolfe, 21, and his then live-in girlfriend, Angelina Coladonato, of East Clay Street, Coal Township, both plead guilty to unsworn falsification for lying to police about throwing the puppy over the cliff while Wolfe also pleaded guilty to cruelty to animals.
He was sentenced to two years probation, with the first 90 days under house arrest. He was also ordered to pay fines, court costs and restitution of the vet bill. She was also sentenced to two years probation, a $200 fine and court costs, restitution of Harper’s medical care and community service.