Inspired by Man's Best Friend

Dr. Robert Harper grew up on Grand Island in the 1950’s. An avid outdoorsman and hunter, Dr. Harper was rarely without his loyal canine companion and first dog, Hugo. He loved his dog so much that he built him a doghouse, and Hugo was always known as Dr. Harper’s “best dog.”

One winter day, 13-year-old Dr. Harper returned home with his brother and Hugo after a morning of hunting. Dr. Harper went inside to get Hugo some food, but when he came back out, Hugo was gone. This wasn’t too uncommon, so he started whistling and calling for Hugo. Still, he didn’t return. 

And so, Dr. Harper set out through a foot of snow, following Hugo’s tracks. He finally found him limping in a neighbor’s yard – Hugo had been shot in the abdomen and was bleeding. Dr. Harper’s parents weren’t home to help, so he carried Hugo 3 miles, through the snow, to the closest veterinarian. 

After examining Hugo, the veterinarian explained that Hugo would need emergency surgery. Since Dr. Harper couldn’t afford his cherished dog’s care, he offered to pay off his debt by working at the practice. The deal was struck: Hugo had his life-saving surgery, and Dr. Harper worked at the office, paid his debt, and then continued working there even after his debt was paid. The experience instilled in him a passion for emergency veterinary care – and helping pet owners overcome the financial burdens that can come with such procedures.

Dr. Robert Harper passed away in June of 2022. Venerated as a keen and caring doctor, he devoted his life to veterinary medicine and dedicated the same care to all animals as he did for Hugo in his childhood. The Hugo Foundation was established in memory of the faithful bond between a man and his best friend, and the positive force that such a friendship can inspire.