Henry's Story

The day started as any other for Henry's foster mom. She opened her e-mail to find a picture of a small matted dog listed as a Maltese in really bad shape located at an area shelter. He was brought there as a stray with a frayed rope tied around his neck, sores all over his body, a broken leg, and hardly any hair. She went to the shelter to find the dog from the e-mail. She knew she had to help him.

She saw that he was young - not even two years of age. She also recognized the familiar silver hair and knew this was no Maltese. This was a Yorkie! The shelter did not think he was even going to survive but they knew if he had a chance, UYR would make it happen.

Henry's FM took him home on March 5th, and off he went to the vet for a check up. He needed a neuter and a dental... but first they needed to tackle his non contagious Demodectic mange, an eye infection, corneal injury, ear infection, urine crystals, ring worm that took over his fragile weakened body, and a badly broken front leg. He would surely have been euthanized at the shelter! Henry received the treatments that he needed and his front leg had to be amputated.

I have supported many rescue dogs over the years with financial donations or a care package being sent in the mail. I have three rescue dogs - a beagle and two Yorkies. One of my Yorkies survived Hurricane Katrina and the other was a puppy mill survivor having spent her entire 5 years in a puppy mill she came to me with about six or so teeth left and her back leg amputated.

I was looking for a Yorkie to support and came across Henry's picture and his story. It was love at first sight for me. I sent Henry a care package and made a donation to help with his medical costs. I was not the only one who wanted to help Henry he had supporters from across the county and he raised over $4000 in funds to help with his medical costs as well as other Yorkies in foster homes with United Yorkie Rescue. He also received other care packages in the mail. I could not stop thinking about him, and that was the start of many e-mails back and forth to his Foster Mom Jenn asking how he was doing and looking for updates about his health. She sent me a link to the pictures of Henry that documented his journey and his road to recovery and healing. The pictures brought tears to my eyes and I sat at my computer sobbing.

I decided that Henry was the one for me after all! I submitted the application to adopt and waited to hear back from Jenn. I must say I bugged Jenn quite a bit as I waited to hear back. Jenn contacted shelters and rescue organizations in Maine in hopes that someone would do a home visit of behalf of United Yorkie Rescue. Finally, an organization stepped forward to do the home visit and Jenn called me with the great news that I was Henry's new Mom I was so happy! The next step was how was I going to get Henry? Jenn called with great news again stating that she had a family event to attend in Massachusetts and Henry would hitch a ride up with her to Maine. I picked Henry up in Dartmouth, Ma on July 10th and again it was love at first sight.

Henry did great on the car ride back to Maine sitting in my lap all the way home. He was a bit nervous the first few days I had him home he did not want to eat or drink. He followed me from room to room keeping a close eye on me. Henry continues to follow me around from room to room he is my constant companion he goes to work with me cuddles up next to me weather it is on the couch or chair. He also gets to come to work with me quite often, and everybody loves him. He is much loved and has many toys, and sweaters for the cold Maine weather that will be arriving soon.

It is said that adopters change the lives of dogs or is it the other way around that the dogs changes our lives. What I can tell you for sure is that Henry has changed my life. Henry was definitely the underdog and needed support, love and people in his corner to love and care for him.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to Jenn with United Yorkie Rescue for taking such heartfelt care of Henry and opening your home to this wonderful dog who needed a true angel to look after him. You have touched the lives of so many, many dogs in such an amazing way you are an amazing wonderful person who I am honored to call my friend.

I would also like to express thanks to the vet and vet techs that took care of Henry and for Miami Dade Rescue for taking Henry in. I would also like to thank the many, may donors that made a financial contribution to help Henry and United Yorkie Rescue and the donors for sending Henry much needed love.

Sincerely,

Amy L. Cooper

Henry's Mom