Henry
November 2003 – August 31, 2013
Dogs are minor angels, and I don’t mean that facetiously. They love unconditionally, forgive immediately, are the truest of friends, willing to do anything that makes us happy, etcetera. If we attributed some of those qualities to a person we would say they are special. If they had ALL of them, we would call them angelic. But because it’s “only” a dog, we dismiss them as sweet or funny but little more. However when you think about it, what are the things that we most like in another human being? Many times those qualities are seen in our dogs every single day– we’re just so used to them that we pay no attention. – Jonathon Carroll
Life turns on a dime. 24 hours after my last post I was in an emergency room unable to breathe as a young female doctor explained to me that Henry was about to die.
I had brought him to the vet hospital for some blood work because he had been agitated the night before and wouldn’t eat breakfast. They skipped the blood work and went straight to an ultrasound which revealed a hemangiosarcoma tumor on his liver that was causing internal bleeding.
It is inoperable. Comes on suddenly. Gives very little warning signs.
Saturday afternoon, I drove him to Soliden. He got to walk the top of the field with Daisy and Oliver. Dave and I drove him past the house where he was a puppy as the vet hospital was right around the corner.
When he left this world, he was in my arms looking straight into my eyes.
There is much more I want (and need) to share about Henry here. I don’t know when that will be exactly as my world is spinning oddly.
This is just to let you know. A placeholder, as it were.
He was a prince.
He was all that and a bag of chips.
He was my heart. I miss him terribly.
bisous, e
I am so sorry, E. I have had a truly loved pet pass, but haven't yet had the terrible/awesome privilege of being the one to hold them as they go. I can't imagine. Goodbye, sweet sweet Henry.
I'm so sorry, Elizabeth. http://preview.tinyurl.com/mrmo4ps I'm a cat person (although I had dogs when I was a teenager).
In the twelve months after my ex-husband (my son's father) passed, I had to put down 4 cats … all over 14 years old.
It's so hard to let go of the furbabies that are such a part of our lives … pure, absolute love.
I'm glad Henry go to spend time with Ollie and Dave before he took his next steps.
Pay attention over the next few days … Henry will find a way to let you know he's reached the other side safely (http://butterflywebsite.com/discover/stories.cfm).
Bless you all.
Barb
Rest in peace Prince Henry.
When you are ready we'd love to hear about Henry.
Hope Daisy is doing ok.
Bridgemor
merci ma chere amie– you are so very sweet and kind and I appreciate it so much. ox, e
oh Barb– I love that advice– I will definitely do that with intention and am going to check out your link– thank you for sharing with me– it helps. xoox, e
Oh, Elizabeth, I am so so sorry. I know how much you love your dogs, and we who love you love them as well, even though we might not know them in person. I hope you can
take some solace in knowing that you provided such a wonderful life for Henry, but
I also know that is not much consolation right now.
xxxx
Susan Dean
oh Donna– you were so there with me in all this– Daisy is terribly depressed. Doing my best to keep her by my side 24/7 — but she has never known a world without Henry in it. He was her constant companion. I'll keep you updated on her for sure. xoxo, e
oh Susan– yes, it is comfort– love is all there is and you loving me and extending such compassion for my grief really does help. Thank you so much for reaching out– xoox, e
I am just so sorry, Elizabeth. Henry has always held a special place in my heart, and if he has that effect on me, a complete stranger he's never met who lives in another area of the country, I can only imagine how much he hung the moon in your world and burst your heart wide open.
We love you, Henry. Sending you grace, love, and peace, E.
Henry. The gentlest soul.
He was loved, so very loved – and now he's your angel.
xo
that was it exactly. he burst my heart open wide as no one ever had– that is my story to share– you got it exactly. sending you SO much love!! I love that the two of you were kindred spirits.
he is indeed– as are you and I am grateful to the moon and back that you happened to be here in August and snap all those photos– of us together– they sustain me now and I know they will in the years ahead!!
Henry's beautiful soul came through in the all photos that you shared. It was an honor to know him.
My heart is breaking for you–and I am sending love and good thoughts.
You have been in my thoughts constantly this weekend. I am filled with grief for you. I loved Henry all the way from Minnesota. And I, too, remember how awful it is when it is time to say good bye to a beloved furry family member. My Ralphie died 5 and a half years ago. Sudden. Horrible. Heartbreaking. I am sending you love and comfort. And crying tears for Henry. xo
Henry was an angel and I love that you shared so many photos of him here and on instagram. Such a handsome fella.
y heart goes out to you.
Sending so much love, always
Just so sorry Elizabeth, sending hugs xxx
oh my love, i am so sorry, there really are no words today. Just me hugging you with ethereal arms across the ocean xxxxxx
Oh I am so sad about that! I have so enjoyed the photographs of Henry. My favourites were the Henry Hefner photographs. He was lapping up the attention – the happy grin on his face said it all. I hope you are doing ok.
Oh Elizabeth, how awful for you, you must be absolutely bereft. From what I've read of Henry, he seemed the kind of dog that made humans envious … Don't we all want to be loyal, fun, happy, giving, and strong? And the apple of someone's eye like he was? So, so much more than “just” a dog. A real friend, and life companion for the time he was with you.
Mourn he is no longer with you, but also be happy you and he gave each other so much. He's not really gone because he lives on within you, and on these pages, and in the thoughts of all those whose lives he touched – even people on the other side of the world who never met him in person. Lovely, lovely dog. Rest in peace, dear Henry. And be peaceful, Elizabeth. xx
thank you Shirley— I feel your good vibes and honor is the right word for all of us– I am so honored that he brought so much love to the center of my life and was able to share it with you. xooxo, e
sweet Megs– thank you so much for your care and understanding– I am so blessed, for sure– the day is bright today with clear skies and sunshine– Daisy is deeply depressed but we are taking it one day at a time and know that we were so present with him when he was here. thank you for your love– xoox, e
he had a way with the camera that's for sure!! :)))) thank you for the love my sweet friend— will I see you in October? I arrive on Monday September 30 7 am and spend the night in London before heading up north on Tuesday ..
thank you Sus— I feel your comfort and love and cannot wait to see you for reals in just a month . . . xoox, e
ha ha! JAY– yes. oh YES! did he love to be surrounded by pretty ladies– ha. that boy— thank you for bringing that to mind– he was a funny one for sure. I am doing okay— thank you– I am. xooxox, e
dearest Croila!!!! omg– how old is little D now? I bet you don't call him little D anymore? Thank you for such love and care and compassion– yes, he was blessed and I was blessed– and this life is blessed– it is part of what we sign up for, this is love– life and loss— but so important to focus on the grace and the magic and the beauty of true love– which is what he brought to me for sure. sending you BIGGEST hugs across the ocean– one day, one day I will be in Scotland having a pint with YOU<--!! xoox, e
No words indeed…. only love, love, love….. tears and more love….. my heart is breaking for you, dear Elizabeth. love to you and Daisy, xoxo, gretchen
So sorry Elizabeth. I obviously never met Henry, but your stories and pictures allowed me to know him somewhat. Enveloping both you and Daisy in love from across cyberspace.
Oh Elizabeth. I am so sad to hear this news. I'm thinking of you & Daisy. Every time one of my dogs has died I've been struck by how hard it is to lose the soul you would ordinarily turn to when feeling grief. It makes grieving for a dog soul almost doubly grievous. Take kind and gentle care of yourself.
I am so so so sorry! Knowing that their lives are so short is the hardest part of having pets. But they love us and wag right up to the end, no matter how much they're suffering, and look straight into our eyes. I still miss my dear Willow, and Max before her, and Zayva, and Roy…. They've all enriched my life, as I know that Henry enriched yours. My deepest sympathy.
Elizabeth, we will raise a pint to Henry. How wonderful that would be! D is now TEN, can you believe it?! And he has a wee sister C, now. I have been disgustingly dilatory on the blogging front for the last couple of years or so, but I plan to resume in earnest very soon, but I often read your own posts – and am very inspired by them. I don't intend to lose touch with you, you know 🙂 xx
Oh, Elizabeth, my heart just broke for you when I saw this. Like so many other comments, how is it souls I've never met (so THRILLED I will next week, though) can snuggle right up in my heart like you and those sweet dogs? I have absolutely LIVED though the photos of your walks and and just can't picture them without that sweet face from now on. We said goodbye to our own beloved dog five years ago in much the same way as your weekend transpired and you are right…..no words. Much much love to you and Daisy. xoxoxo.
My heart . . . feels such sorrow. Having known Henry since bluepoppy . . . oh golly. . the tears. Your words to focus on the grace, the magic and beauty of true love will help.
Blessings,
~ sherry
Oh no. I am so sorry for him, you, Daisy and us. I loved seeing his picture in almost all of your posts. My little boxer Selkie is my first and I cannot imagine your pain. I'm sending him peace and light on his journey and lots of love to those he left behind.
elizabeth, i did the same very thing with my samson last january, weeping and holding him tight as his soul left his body. i don't have any words of wisdom that will make it better for you.. just know we are here with you and feeling your loss. i'm still adjusting to samson being gone, and call me crazy but there are nights when i still hear him (the little yawns, and grunts he'd make when lying down)… i know he's near, and so is Henry.. much love and peace to you xoxo
Elizabeth, I never met Henry – too many thousands of miles – but I felt as if I knew him and his handsome self. When I saw your message on instagram I burst into tears and this post too has made me cry. I know how much you loved him. I felt his gentle soul, way over here. I've lost my three best beloveds in the last two years, Jackson just this last April, and I know just what you're going through. What gets me through, still, is the line from 'The House Dog's Grave':
I am not lonely. I am not afraid. I am still yours.
It works both ways.
Sending much love from me and my two new beloveds, to you and Daisy. Run free sweet Henry. xxxxx
oh JO !!! wow. that line will rock my world. am writing it out now. thank you for your loving heart. I know Henry felt it always. I know I do, too and am SO grateful. sending SO much love back to you. xoxo, e
it's an odd thing, Francesca– but YOU were the first person that came to mind on Saturday when I thought I had to call someone– isn't that funny? I remember so well all you went through in January– mostly the SHOCK of it– how it seemed to come out of nowhere– so I knew you would understand. We are coping. Daisy is deeply depressed and that is hard for me– but we are forging new bonds, she and I and this, this is life. we signed up for it. all we can do is breathe and see the beauty, the grace and my heart is SO full of gratitude that I got to be with him at all— thank you for reaching out– oxoxox, e
hi Laura– you are so sweet— Selkie sounds like a wonderful pup and WHAT a fabulous name!!! I love it. thank you for your good wishes– I feel the peace and light all around me. blessings to you, e
hi Sherry! I know— since bluepoppy days– when he was a a wild young stud– you knew him through all those crazy escapades!! thank you for bringing in the grace, magic and beauty– it is around me all the time and I do need to keep my focus with it. thank you– oxox, e
yes Dixie!! next week!! I cannot wait and am so grateful for your warm, loving words– they really do help. they really do heal. thank you– oxox, e
a baby sister!!! oh that is wonderful wonderful wonderful– yes, we WILL meet. I know it. and so glad we will never lose touch– oxox, e
you know, you understand– thank you so much— they are all love. Henry taught me everything about love. xooxo, e
thank you Lilian!!! I love that you shared in his presence and knew his sweet ways– Daisy and I say thanks for the loving embrace– it helps so much!!! xoxo e
thank you G– thank you thank you thank you—- I feel your sweet love– so kind, so loving, it helps!!! xoox, e
I love you bunny— I know you do– I know you get it– cannot wait to see you for reals in just a month!!! oxoxox, e
Oh I'm so sorry for your loss… I also have dogs and can't imagine what you're going through. I certainly will miss seeing him frolicking through your blog.
Take care, Lesley
Elizabeth, though I never had the chance to meet Henry in person, I feel like I have from your photos and posts of him. I feel heartbroken over your loss, and am sending you and Daisy much, much love.
thank you SO much!! you are so kind and I am so glad you enjoyed his photos when he was here — sending big love to you and your pups!
awwww, Christina! that is so sweet– I love that you could feel his energy. he was a special boy-o for sure.
big love to you from me and Daisy– oxox, e
I am Italy, I read this and ran from it … so sad for you. Tonight I found the courage to come back and send lots of love.
It brought back memories of a similar story in my world.
Di xo
I'm so very sorry, Elizabeth… holding you and Daisy in my heart tonight.
oh Di– I know how much you loved him and how much you have loved your pets, too– I am so sorry to stir that back up— thank you for the love you have sent– it does help so much. Sending LOVE to you~!!! xoox, e
Hi Kelley! gosh so lovely to see you even under such sad circumstances– thank you so much for the love– we both need it for sure– little Daisy is so very depressed and I know she will feel your good vibes. sending you love .. . xoox, e
and yet one more heartfelt comment ~ despite the immediacy and sharp pain of your loss – Henry the dog angel and your guardian knew that you were healing… on your way so to speak gently nudged by his unconditional love and companionship. I believe that he leaves at his time with a happy heart. His work by your side is finished on the physical plane and yet never more than a few paces ahead of you in heart and spirit. He is still watching over you into the blue of forever. Peace and blessings from another one touched by your words and gifts of love. Andrea
oh Andrea– what a beautiful, beautiful, deeply healing message you have shared with me– it resonates and I can feel its truth– thank you so much for sharing it with me— xoxooxox, e
I am so sorry you have physically lost this beautiful boy Elizabeth. He has made me laugh so much when I visit here, and now I cry. We had this happen in August last year, so I know the pain and grief.
I see Tilly in every feather I come across…and there are many :~))) They stay with us don't they. My arms still miss holding her though.
I hope you and Daisy are ok.
Sending love to you both….and hoping that Henry has met Tilly….she's tiny compared to him, but she would love him :~)))
tears in my eyes as i read your words. i have always felt your deep love for henry and daisy.
holding you in my heart and wishing you lightness somewhere in your day today, and in the next one, and in the next…
with love.
we don't know each other, but I was drawn back to your blog over and over again, mostly because dear Henry was so enchanting to look at and hear about. Your passion for your animals is evident. I grieve with you because I know the deep love for a canine companion – my Golden is getting silver around the muzzle.
I am so glad that you were able to get Henry to the beach. He looked like a Prince, true royalty!!!!
I am so sorry for your loss. As a long-time reader, I have loved those beautiful and playful pictures of your pups. Sending warmth and comfort your way.
Echoing michelle gd's comment wholeheartedly. This took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes too…been thinking about you so much lately. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. We will keep reflecting it back to you… generously…always… Wishing you comfort on your way to solid ground again soon. Mucho love to you and Daisy. Henry was a true lion in Narnia and seriously, a total freakin zen rockstar!! xoxoxox Kelly Hotchkiss
You are right. There are no words.
I believe our animals stay with us, forever looking over us, rooting us on and encouraging us to share our lives and hearts with all our future pets — their brothers and sisters. Henry was a regal pup. How beautiful it was that you found each other and had life together.
I cannot express how painful it was to read your disclosure of Sweet Henry's passing. I have been following your life and the life of your beautiful companions since “Blue Poppy” and this was the most difficult too read. My heart breaks for you Elizabeth as you move forward without your dear friend. Dolores Chapman
oh Dolores– you love!! you are LOVE. thank you so much– I feel your support, your care– thank you–xoxo, e
yes yes yes! You have it so right and it is so true– thank you for articulating that for me– sending love– xxo e
oh honey— you so know– you so understand– no words– he was my heart. xo,e
It's been awhile since I've been here, awhile since I've more closely followed the your adventures with Henry, Daisy, and Oliver like I did with bluepoppy. I am so sad and I thank you for sharing Henry, them all, so much with us. The loss of my pet loves has devastated me each time, and I feel much the same for Henry too.
sending an extra hug to you today
oh e! i am so sorry for your loss. my heart goes out to you. i know how you feel and i can only send you love. and more love. and more. xoox
I'm so terribly sorry and sad. I fell in love with Henry with just one look when you were all on the farm. Each time I visited here it made me smile to see his handsome face. You were lucky to have him for a friend and an angel.
I am so very sorry that you have lost a soul mate. What a wonderful relationship you had. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Sandra
I just saw Squam mentioned on Chronicle on Boston Channel 5 the other day. Got me to thinking about you. I hope being with your friends and peers is helping you balance. I hope you left Daisy with Ollie and Dave … that's where she needs to be right now.
Blessings and hugs.
Barb
I too am so sad to read this. I have loved reading about his escapades here, and I hope that you are coping? managing? surviving? – what's the right word here? – I've been crying too, you evoked Henry so clearly for us all. Best wishes, Helen
I am so sorry to read this news, so sorry you have lost your beloved Henry…I so loved to read your jaunts with Henry and Daisy as well see all the wonderful photos. I have been in that surreal place of holding beloved pets in my arms as they left this world for another…there really are no words. Peace…