Writer Tom Taylor revealed the touching origin story behind the creation of Nightwing's canine companion.
In a recent interview with CBR, the Nightwing writer explained that giving Dick Grayson a pet pup was an act of love. "The idea behind Haley was to show that Dick cares for everyone, no matter how small, and to give Dick a constant companion and some unconditional love," Taylor said. Considering how tumultuous Nightwing's love life can be, a little stability will probably do him some good.
Though adding Haley to the cast of Nightwing was originally Taylor's idea, the writer mentioned that the entire creative team immediately fell in love with her. "Bruno and I both have dogs, and children, so we're very used to having a puppy around the house and the extra care it needs," said Taylor.
Taylor also mentioned that editor Jessica Chen was responsible for the "heart" emoji that appears when Barbara Gordon meets Haley for the first time. He joked, "I think it was her own heart." This is hardly the first time Taylor imbued his Nightwing series with a hearty helping of love. Taylor's sentimental callbacks and emotionally complex characters have become a signature of the series.
Haley first appeared in Nightwing #78, which was the start of Taylor's run on the title with artist Bruno Redondo. Nightwing rescued her from a group of drunks who were "having fun" and kicking her around in the street. Dick initially planned on dropping her off at a local shelter, but Haley quickly won over the hero's heart. Though the pup won't be tackling crime, Haley has been embraced by the Bat-family. In fact, Tim Drake affectionately gave her the codename "Bitewing," canonizing what fans had been calling her all along.
Haley's introduction isn't the only major change that Taylor has brought to Nightwing's life. Since taking over the series, Taylor has set out to elevate Dick to DC's top-tier of heroes. Recently, Dick Grayson became a philanthropist by establishing the Alfred Pennyworth Foundation. The organization benefits the disenfranchised citizens of Blüdhaven by helping provide affordable housing, access to employment, prisoner rehabilitation, free healthcare and other benefits. Additionally, Superman tasked Nightwing with looking out for Jon Kent as he adjusts to being the new Man of Steel.
Next up, Nightwing will be tying in with Fear State, a line-wide Batman crossover storyline. It revolves around Scarecrow attacking Gotham with fear toxins while the Magistrate initiates a police state across the city. While Nightwing hasn't called Gotham home for years, his presence in the event is a reflection of the maturity that Dick has shown throughout Taylor's run. Much in the same way that adding Haley to Nightwing's life has made him "responsible for another creature," Dick's selflessness when saving the citizens of Gotham shows the famous heart that readers have grown to know and love.
Source: CBR