Zach Skow, co-founder of the California non-profit Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue, often fosters pets in need. But when he met an elderly dog named Henry, it was the start of something wonderful.
Henry had been abandoned by his owners, most likely due to a variety of health difficulties as a senior dog about 16 years old. He was deaf and half blind, and his body was covered with malignant growths.
He remembers the look on his face. One could sense his anguish, and Zach remembered. He’s a really old super senior, he has some malignant growths, he wasn’t doing well, he could hear him having difficulty breathing, he could see him shivering, said the doctor.
Zach opted to take the dog in as an end-of-life foster, assuming the aging canine had only a few weeks or perhaps days to live.
But, Henry quickly adjusted to his new temporary home, and with a little love and care, he blossomed into a joyful, lively dog.
16-Year-Old Foster Dog Starts Galloping With JoyGuy picks up a confused 16-year-old dog from the shelter so he doesn't die alone — months later he's galloping around the yard after his foster dad 😍 😍
Posted by The Dodo on Friday, 26 March 2021
Zach added that he was getting better by the hour. He was completely reborn. The dog, who had seemed to be on the edge of death, was suddenly running and playing in his garden.
Henry had cancer removal surgery and then began his “dramatic turnaround,” packed with more life and pleasure every day.
Zach said he’d do this tiny gallop every day. And then, day by day, that gallop would get a little more boisterous.
Henry has a date!!!! 🤗♥️🌟Henry, oh Henry, how I love you so! When Henry first arrived, we thought he’d only have a few days or weeks with us. Henry had different plans… From anemic, confused and barely able to walk, to the dog you see bouncing around in this video! Henry is the perfect testimony to what seniors can offer us and what we can offer seniors to improve and extend their lives! Senior rescues are good for the soul! Thank you, Henry, for being magical, mutt medicine! —— #seniordogs #seniordogrescue #marleysmutts #ohhenry #tehachapi #blacklabrador
Posted by Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue on Friday, 5 March 2021
It only goes to show how important pet foster care can be, particularly for elderly dogs. Without Zach intervening and providing Henry with a home, he would have been killed or perished alone in a shelter. Rather, their love genuinely resurrected him.
He believe that being a member of a family is the most important factor in Henry’s success, Zach remarked.
Posted by Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue on Sunday, 12 June 2022
As the weeks passed, it became evident that Henry had plenty of life left in him, and Zach decided it was time to locate his foster dog a “forever home.”
He was surprised to get a lot of adoption inquiries. Caro Aguilar, who fell in love with Henry, sent one.
Posted by Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue on Sunday, 12 June 2022
She adopted Henry for real after seeing him in person, despite knowing the elderly canine didn’t have much time left.
They simply want to adore him for the rest of his days, Caro said as she drove to pick him up in an Instagram video. They’re simply going to cherish him for as long as they have him.
He’ll leave this world filled with love, which is all they can ask for, Zach said. He’s made their lives better while they’ve had him, and he’s going to make those who adopt him richer as well.
Henry had some time to acclimate to his new family, but much like Zach, Henry demonstrated that he still had plenty of life in him for an elderly dog.
Henry found his permanent home and was adored by his new family. They made sure Henry had plenty of enjoyable excursions in his last days, and they created an Instagram account, @seniordoghenry, to share his experience with the rest of the world.
Henry, alas, died in June. His family informed his fans of his death in a farewell message. They found solace in the fact that the dog had a loving family by his side in his dying hours.
“He passed peacefully with myself, and our family by his side,” the statement reads. “He passed in my arms and in my lap with love, ear rubs, boops, and loads of kisses from me and the girls.”
“I am a mess and my heart is broken. He was a joy in my life that I cannot explain; he brought sunshine on dark days and unconditional love each and every day… I know he brought joy to so many, and to my family you have all brought in light and love like we could not comprehend.”
Henry has crossed the rainbow bridge, but his narrative is still delighted. Because of these kind individuals, Henry was able to spend his last months filled with affection.
