5 Sweet Years Since That Freedom Ride Henry

5 years ago today I got Henry. I remember it clear as a bell. It was the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and we had just gotten back from 5 days at Pismo Beach. I came back to work that day to an email asking me if I could foster this red pit bull who was in the medical side of the shelter because he had some head trauma. I had seen this dog one time in passing. He had stitches all down his head (they were out by this day) Something about this crazy head tilt and his eyes had caught my eye. I said, sure  I will foster him if the big man approves. The "Big Man" was our St Bernard Tubbs. We had tried to foster other dogs but Tubbs would have none of it and you really dont disagree with a 140 pound dog. So after work on December 2, 2009 I headed to the shelter in my work clothes. I met Wambui there, we got Henry out of his kennel, he got some shots and off we went. He met Tubbs, Maya and Barney and none of them even paid him a second glance. I think they knew he was special, head trauma and all. I named him that night Henry, my favorite boys name. It fit him perfectly. Henry then proceeded to get every single dog toy out of the toy bin and made a circle of toys around his bed and then he slept like the dead. That was his first night. I dont remember many details from the days after that because Henry fit right in. Life went on as normal. He loved going for walks, absolutely loved it. He loved to play fetch. He loved sleeping under covers. He hated the cold. Him and the St Bernard would sleep next to each other all day long. It didnt take too long before we knew that Henry was permanent.

5 years and two babies later Henry is still the light of my life.He is the last thing I see at night and the first kiss I get in the mornings. He has never left my side. We used to go for runs together but now we just do walks, he is getting older, slower. We play frisbee at the park. He sunbathes when it is warm enough, he hibernates when it is cold or rainy. He is my sons best friend. He is now more his dog than my dog but Henry and I will always have that special bond. He still has his special head tilt, which I stopped noticing a long time ago but strangers always ask, what happened to his head. Ha ha. He has been through 3 surgeries, including removing his eye.I cherish every second I get with him. I know how short our time in this life together will be. I want, more than anything, to celebrate 10 years with him but I will cherish each day, one day at a time and see how long this life gives us together.

I dont know your real birthday or age but Happy 5 Years of Freedom Henry!