The Truth About Henry:

There are two things that people notice right away when they meet Henry. #1: he's handsome...oh-so handsome. He's big, and unique, and downright magnetic. People see him and are drawn to him, desperate to get closer to that beautiful boy, our handsome Henry. But, as they approach, these same people begin to notice the #2 thing: he's scared. He pushes himself against his foster mom's legs, looking for comfort, trying to make his big handsome self as small as possible.

Henry's behavior in public has, so far, thwarted off most human admirers. Their affections rebuffed, they usually resort to offering condolences to his foster mom, saying things like "He sure is handsome, it's too bad he's so scared" or "I wish he was friendlier, he's such a cool-looking dog." They shake their heads and talk about all the possible abuses Henry must have suffered in order to be so scared. Often, they thank his foster mom mom for "rescuing" him...for being so willing to take in a "dog like him"...for being patient...for being kind.

But the truth about Henry, the real truth, is that there is so much more to him than most people get to see.

Yes, he needs time to decompress and feel comfortable with new people and new environments. But, once he's comfortable, you get to see that this big, handsome, scared guy is also silly. And loving. And playful. He has wonderful manners in the house, and also on leash. He LOVES other dogs, big and small, male and female, and is definately more confident when he has doggie companions. He prefers women and easily develops relationships with female caregivers. He adores children and has proven himself to be the gentlest of giants when around them. Henry has a seemingly unending reserve of trust...despite his fears.

Taking in a "dog like him" has been a joy. He makes it easy to be patient, and to be kind. You just have to get past the first two things you notice in order to really understand the truth about Henry.