Dog gets new home after surviving Chatsworth crash that killed owner

CHATSWORTH, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Where Rhonda Taffet goes, Harley follows. The Maltese-Terrier mix is adjusting to his new caretaker, his new surroundings and three Chihuahua playmates.

"He's a sweet dog, loving, kind, and we're just honored to be able to do this for Gwen," Taffet said.

Gwen Bolden-Smith was Harley's owner. She and her friend Diijon Bishop were killed when his car went off the 118 Freeway and landed in a concrete riverbed down below. The car was crushed beyond recognition.

Somehow, Harley survived uninjured and stayed with his owner's body until emergency crews arrived.

Bolden-Smith was a personal trainer and a life coach.

"She was always giving you the best that Gwen had to give you. Always uplifting, telling you how beautiful you are, what you have to bring to life," Taffet said.

Bishop had six children, two of whom he adopted. He produced and edited "The Lift Up Jesus" TV program at Shepherd of the Hills Church.

"He loved God and loved the church, loved helping the church expand, again, expand our ministry through the media," said Tim Winters, the executive pastor at Shepherd of the Hills Church. "[Bishop] was well-loved by the media department and it's a small family of people that kind of work in that area, and it was devastating to them. Shocking."

After the accident, Harley spent three days at an animal shelter. Taffet says he appeared to be in mourning, but now that Harley feels right at home, his tail is wagging once again.

"I'm honored to be able to take Harley and love him, hopefully, as much as she did," Taffet said.

The California Highway Patrol says Bishop made an unsafe turning maneuver for reasons unknown. The accident remains under investigation.