Domesticated animals are a gift to humans and should be treated with the upmost respect. My favorite domesticated animal, the dog, above all else, requires love, attention and fun. Then food, preferably from the table, but they really should stick to kibbles. And finally, an outlet for voiding bladder and bowels. Their needs are simple really. In my opinion dogs provide an unconditional love like no other. I like cats. A lot actually . But tell me a dog who goes and pees on your couch after you’ve returned from a 10- day trip just to get back at you. Your dog is just so happy that you came back.
Dogs are keen observers, have 3-5x the auditory capacity of humans and up to 220 million olfactory cells compared to the human’s 5 million. They wait to hear you rustle in the morning. They come nuzzle their wet nose up under your warm hand, again with
a hello, I’m happy it’s another day to spend with you. And another day to play and eat. They watch intently waiting to accept the next stroke, belly caress and listen for the rattle of the leash. They have an eye on your hand or the treat bag in all waking moments.
They sit by your side, follow you from room to room, wait for you outside the bathroom, sit it the middle of the kitchen while you make dinner, make gurgling, light growling sounds when you’ve waited too long to take them for a walk. They get bored when you sit in front of the computer too long and beg you to play or just snuggle up with them instead. They don’t mind if you bring a book.
In the evening they sit next to you on the couch, head or tail in your lap, just wanting to make some sort of contact. They could sit there for hours. Before bed, one last acknowledgement as to the lovely day they had with you. Then they sleep at the end of the bed till they are hot and choose to sleep on the cool tile instead.
One day, inevitably it comes too soon, it’s time for them to say goodbye. They look up at you one last time, breath out one last I love you, then lay still and peaceful. This is the moment we must make every effort to let them go in peace and be thankful for the unconditional love, grace, and presence they bestowed in our lives.
Thank you Henry. What a great 12 years!
Sir Henry... Oct 15th, 1999 - Jan 18th, 2012
Wendy's Place 
Oh my goodness… you are making me cry.
Henry was indeed a wonderful dog – my first doggy friend actually. I will miss him.
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Hi Wendy…
That’s a perfect eulogy to Sir Henry. His bounding energy and presence has already been missed this year here at Frog Song Farm. It’s a new day and we all move on. That’s the way it is, has been and will always be. Amen!
Love, Dad
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I’m sorry for your loss. Beautiful tribute to a beautiful dog.
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Dear Wendy ~ I am so sorry. Tears filled my eyes as I read your words. One of the great loves of my life was our cat, Nepal, who lived a generous 21 years. Big hugs to you ~ Sue
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Ooh Honey.,. I’m with Nadine. Your beautiful words and pictures are bringing tears to my eyes. I only had the privilege of being in Henry’s presence once or twice a year, and yet I will truly miss his sweet face and gentle ways. I’m so glad I got down on the floor with him and gave him such good rubdowns the last time I was in Hamburg. We both loved it. I’m so glad he had a peaceful departure. My heart is with you Wendy. Love Mom
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I love you Henry. I am so glad to have gotten to know you. You were such a gift!
Blessings to you on your journey……
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Hey Wendy, You were a great dog mom and I am honored that you gave some of Henry’s things to Daisy. I had the privilege of knowing Henry in his last months of life. He was just so happy to come into my house and find a chew thing. He was gracious. He was kind with young, impetus very small dogs who win big dogs over with persistent pestering. I’m glad you brought him here to Germany and were able to spend his last months with him just pouring out that love of yours, of which you possess so much. Great piece. xox
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Oh Wendy, great and most appropriate words to describe true love! Henry was really privileged to live in a family who always treated him with great care and respect. You touched my heart…
Big hugs
Ulrike
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Thanks for all the loving thoughts. x wendy
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Oh, what a sweetheart! (I am referring to both of you!) So sorry for the loss of Henry~
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