My Henry

Before I had my son, before I even had my husband... I had my Henry. I was trying to mend a broken heart and decided to go to the Stillwater pound and play with some dogs to cheer myself up. Subconsciously, I probably knew I was getting a dog, even though I was "living on my own" in an apartment that didn't allow dogs and with a roommate that probably didn't want me to get a dog. He was about 4-6 months old and when I got him out of his cage to play with him he got so excited that he peed... And I knew he was the one for me. I decided he'd be my early 19th birthday present to myself. Who knew that little dog would be such an amazing companion for more than 11 years? Over 11 years-- that's a lot of ups and downs and life experiences I went through with him by my side. After all those years, if we were ever apart for long he'd still get so excited to see me. He was the smartest dog with so many fun tricks. He was also the most loyal, but stubborn, dog. He could be an ass to other people, but never to me. He knew my emotions and would snuggle me, protect me, give me space, or grab a ball to play depending on what I needed at any given time. He was also special buddies with my dad; they went to puppy obedience school together, and enjoyed daily walks every time Henry was in Tulsa. Honestly, he was probably just as much my dad's dog as mine. 

Henry passed away last night and there's a special piece of my heart that he took with him. He will be forever missed and I know there will never be another dog quite as special as him. My heart breaks. I left him at the vet's office last night so he could have some medicine through the night, never dreaming I would get a call first thing this morning that he passed away. I feel like I didn't even really get to say goodbye. I just kissed him and told him, "be back in a little bit, buddy." I know that Alex was there to greet him in Puppy Heaven with lots of licks and they are happily rolling around and playing together.