The Henry Family

The Henry's, to those that do not know them, may appear as just another traditional family unit but since when does that include humans being out numbered by furry creatures. Life at the Henry's is not just filled with chaos and animal hair… but a family unit that has a true love of animals. The Henry's, two adults and two almost teenage boys, most definitely would be considered an animal loving household and given a choice, would not change anything. The Henry's presently share their home with three dogs and two cats. Maggie, the family cat, is the eldest of the bunch at almost 17 years old. Maggie, being the loner that she is, can often be found where nobody else is. As a senior, she most often is found sleeping, eating or being watched by two very intense eyes.

Molly, the family Golden Retriever, came into the Henry household in October 1999, at the age of eight months. Molly's life as a puppy is a mystery. She was purchase from a family claiming allergies had developed in the home but it was evident from the very beginning that Molly had issues as a result of her initial up bringing. She was insecure and extremely timid and it would take some time for her trust to be won. Today, she remains a devoted member of the Henry family and despite her age and several underlying medical conditions: colitis, arthritis and epilepsy, she can often be found bouncing and playing, like a puppy, in the Henry yard or on family walks.

Blaze or "Crazy Blazy", our "energizer bunny" of a Border collie, is almost five years old. He came to the Henry home, in August 2003, as a replacement to Tony's beloved Border collie, Pride. Pride had been Tony's dog; there was no doubt about that, and with his passing at the age of three, it left a huge void. Tony lasted only two weeks before he was scanning advertisements for another dog and it didn't take long before he found what he was looking for; a fourteen week old male Border collie, one of only two remaining pups, on a horse farm in Woodstock. Several telephone conversations later, the Henry's found themselves on route to Woodstock in an attempt to replace their beloved (low-maintenance, self-entertaining, devoted) Pride. WOW, did they get their moneys worth. Blaze was nothing like Pride and in the first year became the Henry's worst nightmare. He was a "true" Border collie and if not provided with an acceptable outlet for his "over-the-top" energy, then he would provide his own. In Blaze's first year, he was nicknamed "Rat tail" because in his spare time, he thought it acceptable to chew all the fur from his tail. In 2004 Blaze's "true mission" in life began…. the sport of agility. Training and competing in the sport, has been good for both Blaze and his human counterpart. He has most definitely taught his dad the meaning of patience and the rewards, of seeing a dog do what he so enjoys and was meant to do, are endless. Blaze presently competes at the Master level and brought home a 2nd, 3rd, & 7th placement from the 2007 AAC National Competition in Ontario.

Bandit or "Bam Bam" came along six months later, in February 2004. Tony had received a phone call from the breeder telling him of a "mistaken" litter, and the fact that she was selling the farm and was looking for homes for the pups. Tony had reservations of bringing another pup into the house, especially one that was a full brother to Blaze, but not Shelley. She convinced Tony that they should just "go and have a look" and well…. Bandit proved nothing like his brother and settled nicely and easily into the Henry home. Bandit spent his first agility season scouting out the competition from the sidelines, as he was too young to begin his training. In May 2005 he made his debut and has continued to shine for his mom. Bandit has always displayed a never ending love for the sport of agility, which can easily be seen in his glimmering eyes as he anxiously awaits his release at the start line. Bandit also attended the 2007 AAC National Competition and although he did not bring home placement ribbons, he finished close behind his "crazy" brother. In July, 2007, Bandit proved again a devoted family member when he helped his human brother, Brandon, debut as a Junior Handler. Brandon and Bandit will begin the 2008 season running at the Master level. As well, in 2008, Bandit may debut another family Junior Handler as Justin gives agility a try. Mittens', previously named "Lucky", is the newest member to the Henry home, and hopefully the last for a while. Mittens is a five month old, part Siamese, kitten who was rescued by dad, Tony, from a sewer manhole on Thanksgiving Day. It took time, patience and some help from neighborhood kids but eventually this approximately seven week old kitten was captured. She arrived at her new home wrapped in an old towel, scared and filthy. She met with more uncertainty when she was quickly introduced to the concept of "clean" water and soap and this uncertainty intensified when she met her new four-legged family members. Mittens seemed to instantly be accepted as yet another family member. Blaze has found a new member that does not mind his "over the top" and at time obnoxious herding instinct and Molly has found someone that likes to cuddle at naptime. Bandit, in the beginning, did not seem to pay any attention to this newest member but has come to appreciate the fun that can be had with a real life, able to run stuff toy. All the dogs have been patient and accepting of Mittens and have learned to love when she too has her "zoomie" moments, as she provides instant entertainment. BACK