Saturday, March 8, 2008

Shaggy Dog Story

This is Henry.


Henry lived with an elderly man who died. The man's relatives didn't want Henry, so they locked him in the house, where he stayed, trapped, for weeks, until he was almost starved. A neighbour heard him one day, realised what had happened, and called Roscommon ISPCA. Though they tried to re-home him, Henry remained in the kennels for months. I saw him on their website - http://www.roscommonanimals.com/ - a couple of weeks back and liked the cut of his jib. We went to meet him, but in less than 60 seconds he and Ossie had a serious fight. When I rang Sharon from Roscommon ISPCA the next day and said we weren't sure Henry was the right dog for us, I asked what his chances of being homed were. Henry is a big, wild-looking dog. She replied "Nobody wants Henry".

Those words stuck, and I couldn't forget him without giving him another chance. So yesterday morning, he came to stay with us for the weekend. He's a big galoot, a truly gentle giant. He's a good part Irish Wolfhound and a fair part something else; loves a cuddle, is mildy curious about cats, but finds hens fascinating; he likes going places, but frets and drools like a tap in the car, eats like a horse and could sleep for Ireland. Even Ossie thinks he's cool.
I don't think he'll be going back to the kennels.

Somebody wants Henry.



19 comments:

Maithri said...

What a heartwarming story,

They are just beautiful!

I am blessed to have found your site,

Sending you peace and soft light on the arms of this morning,

Maithri

Suzanne said...

Hi sweetie, you told me to look and it took me a while, but I'm here. And so is Maithri! What a beautiful place to be. I know Henry is your dog. All of you were destined for one another and that is the most beautiful part of life. When you know. Rob read this too and smiled so big. In your heart, you always know. That is why I love you. Because you have such a beautiful heart and it has so much room. I love you my dear friend, and I am so grateful Henry is safe and happy. I can't imagine him with any other soul.

I love you.

XO

floots said...

suzanne twisted my arm from thousands of miles away to get me here - and i'm glad she did :)
fantastic work
thank you
i love henry (who wouldn't) :)
and my favourites were the "that was the week" series - fantastic atmosphere
cheers

Anonymous said...

Hi, Allow me to introduce myself, My name is Mr. N. I am a guru of enlightened animal spiritualism, We specialise in distance healing and salving the emotional wounds that we as humans sometimes inflict on the other inhabitants of our fragile planet.

We have circulated the pictures of Henry around our group and are currently praying, meditating and healing him and you from afar. We are also praying that Ossie will support both you and not feel threatened.

We love you.

Leah said...

I came here from Suzanne's to find a wonderful story! I'm so glad Henry came to you and a to a happy ending. He's beautiful.

I'm really enjoying your lovely and evocative photography; the black-and-white landscapes are especially haunting.

--Leah

Suzanne said...

So many of my dear friends are here. I knew they would love you and your work.

XO

Unknown said...

JOHN!
Can I say through tears at 137am west coast time from California! THANK YOU for loving Henry! What a truly fantastic story! From one hound to another...I LOVE HENRY too!

What great photos and seems they both are great pals! WOW...I am just a wreck about this post! maybe its because I am tired or maybe its because I know what kind of heart beats in that chest of yours!
Just gotta say LOVE ya and want to hug ya to bits!
Come stop by my blog and visit! Suze (Suzeanne sent me over here and boy am I glad she did...I have linked you to my fav spots) Love your work!
Hugs,
Robyn *wiping away the last tears*

Anonymous said...

Hey John, that's a great story, and lovely photos ....

Suzanne said...

Isn't it funny John? We've all rescued dogs and kitties, so all know. That is one damn luck dog!

The Piper at the Gates of Dawn said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

You have a great friend in Suzanne. She seems to have "sent" many people to your site and I'm so glad she sent me. I LOVE HENRY! I LOVE THE STORY! I wish I could romp and play with him - we'd have a great time. I was so sad when I started reading the story, but I knew there had to be a happy ending. I'm so happy for him to have found someone so kind and loving. You will never be sorry for befriending one of my "brothers".

Anonymous said...

Wow love the Henry story - and the other photos on the site are stunning. Especially love the frog ones!!

Cece said...

OH what a wonderful story. Dogs are the most beautiful animals in the world. It is because of their personalities. They are loyal and innocent, and it makes my heart glad to know that Henry found a forever home. (By the way, Suzanne told me I would like this site, so I am paying you a visit) About 5 years ago I was looking for a gently soft natured dog. I looked at several pounds and just couldn't find the right one. Eventually I stumbled into a PetSmart. The local animal shelter had there dogs there and were waiving the adoption fee in order to get the dogs homes. I looked at several dogs and kept walking past this one cage. Inside I found Daisy. She is part begal and part blue heeler. She was a small older dog. All of the other dogs were pawing eagerly at the cages, but not Daisy. She laid in the back of the cage. She lifted her head up once to look at me and then sadly dropped it back to her paws. The sadness in her eyes caused my heart to ache. I walked past her cage several times. Finally, I asked if I could pet her. Daisy was extremely shy. The shelter woman didn't want to adopt her out to us because of the kids. She was very afraid that the kids would be too much for her. But Daisy was due to be euthenized if she didn't get adopted that weekend. Once I learned of this, I had to have her. I brought Daisy home and slowly coached her out of her shyness. She had obviously been abused by a hunter. She did not like men at all. She was afraid of loud noises and thunderstorms. I had her for almost a year and we decided to move. Unfortunately we were moving out of the country and into a suburb. Daisy barked at everything and we were afraid that she would get our Pitbull dog in trouble. A very close friend of mine, who lives in the country, took Daisy. My friend only lives about 15 minutes from me, so I still get to see Daisy on a weekly basis. When I visit, Daisy never fails to greet me. If we sit out in the yard, she is in my lap the whole time. The only time she will come into my friends house is if I am there. And she only comes in to sit on my lap. So, I think dogs are wonderful, and I am so glad you got Henry.

Anonymous said...
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Suzanne said...

Hi dear. People who love animals matter. I am here with tears in my eyes. I know, you know that. I think life is beautiful. They all showed up to welcome Henry What do you do with that? He has a beautiful home and he's happy and even my dear dog friend Hobie showed up to welcome Henry. I'm always so humbled. I know you know. I love you and thank you for adopting Henry. You all belong together.

XO

Anonymous said...

Hi John,
I like your photographs and I like Henry. Thanks for the Loch Gara pics. It is so helpful when you include a caption.
Speaking about photos in general.
My viewing is rewarding when I know where, whom and what is in the photo.
Good Luck
Frank Conry ex Killaraght

Anonymous said...

love you henry xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
love you john xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
love you ozzie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
love this site
and i thought i would just be looking at loads of pretty brides on their big day !

Cavan Girlxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Lynda said...

Beautiful story and photo's. I am very happy for you and for Henry!

Daniela said...

OHHH, Congratulations. I love rescue animals. My heart goes out to you. All of my animals have been resuces. I know you all will be very happy together. God Bess