Henley
Comments
Tags
Profile
Hi...
My name is Henley and I'm an Old English Sheepdog. I was born on March 10th, 1998 in a place they call a puppy mill in the town of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
It wasn't such a nice place.
I was the runt of the litter and no one wanted me.
The puppy mill people got wind that someone was coming to check on them and they packed up and left.
I was all alone.
I was also very skinny, my hair was almost gone, I was sick, and my skin was really itchy, red, and mottled.
I was a mess... and they left me to die.
They didn't care.
Then... a rescue worker came and saved me.
Then... a nice lady adopted me.
Then... I finally had a nice, happy home.
My mom teaches in some schools in Philadelphia and New Jersey, and some of the places are in pretty rough neighborhoods. I'd hear her telling "Dad" that some of these children (who are barely 10 years old) know where the pit bull fights are held, who owns the birds that participate in the local cock fights and, saddest of all, most of these youngsters thought it was commonplace to drop off a box of newborn kittens or puppies into the neighborhood dumpster.
Isn't that awful?
Sometimes kids listen better to other kids or other influences... so that's how come I became the author of a book called, "My name is Henley... my life and times as a rescued dog" ... I wanted children to know how wonderful it can be for a person to have a pet who loves them and how equally wonderful it is for a dog or a cat - or any animal - to be given a second chance at life.
These children must learn at an early age to be the caregivers and voice for the dear, sweet animals who cannot speak for themselves.
A little love goes a long way... on both sides of the fence.
Blog
Hi again... :)
Today is a busy day for me and it's barely started!
I have to visit a school here in New Jersey so the principal can meet me. I'm not going to be a student or anything like that, but I 'm going along with Mom so he can show us where we'll be next week when Mom gives a special assembly.
Mom talks about being kind to animals, about rescued animals in particular... teaching the kids at an early age the importance of love and respect for our "four-legged" friends as well as their "uprights." :)
It means a lot to these kids when they can see me... and hear my story. Most of the kids then find ways to help local rescues. They collect towels and blankets... they take up a classroom collection... some even go to the shelter and find a companion pet of their own to love.
Isn't that wonderful? I get emails from teachers and students about all that happens after Mom and I leave school. The news is always happy and hopeful.
Happy and hopeful is a good thing... I can only imagine what would have happened to me if a kind woman from a North Jersey shelter hadn't found me. Then I would have never had my mom and dad... or a nice home filled with love, fun and five cats that are my new "pack." I wish that kind of happiness for every animal out there... and I know all of you who read this feel the same way.
Together we can make it happen.
Mom has a bumper sticker on the back of her car that reads:
"Never believe that a few kind and caring souls cannot change the world, for indeed... that's all who ever have."
... See? That's what makes me happy... and hopeful!
Have a wonderful day!!!!
Love,
Henley
November 26, 2007, 6:52 am
comments ( 0 )
Hi...
What a nice day I had today!
Dad gave me a bath and then Mom and Dad used the hair dryer and made me all nice, dry, and fluffy. I didn't care too much for baths when I was young because my skin was in pretty bad shape... but now I love them! As soon as I hear the words, "Henley" and "bath" in the same sentence I'm already upstairs sittin' in the tub!
Well, after my bath I took a walk with my Uncle Jon. I love Jonnie. We walked down to the park, I said hello to a few people I know and a hello to a few of my animal friends and then Jon and I took the long way home... just to enjoy the nice, crisp fall day!
As I entered the house Mom asked if I wanted to go for a ride. That's another word that over the years has triggered some good feelings for me. I love the car! I even have a special seat belt. I can stick my head out the window and it sure feels good with all that air rushing over my fuzzy face!
On our travels Mom stopped at the bank and the teller gave me a treat ... right at the drive-thru window. I love those women. :)
We stopped by to see a few of Mom's friends and they all hugged me and patted me and said I was adorable. (not bad for an old guy, eh?)
We made one last stop at the gas station and even the guy there is nice to me. He calls me, Heeen-lee. ...I get a treat there too!
Mom and I got back home about 3:00 and I was welcomed by three of our five cats. Mookie was asleep in the sink and Holly decided to take a nap on the top of the computer. (I guess it's nice and warm there).. but Cynthia, Ned, and Miss Rose all came to greet us as we entered the house.
It's a nice feeling to be loved.
Then Dad and Mom made some sandwiches and some hot tea...(I got some of the turkey too) and then they went upstairs to take a nap. I decided I needed a nap too and snuggled my 98 pound self right in-between them.
Mom wrapped her arm around me and Dad patted me on the head and said I was a "good boy."
Again... it's a nice feeling to be loved.
Isn't it?
:)
November 24, 2007, 6:30 pm
comments ( 0 )
