Henry’s Memorial
GOLDEN RETRIEVER
Born: Oct 9, 2009
Crossed the Rainbow Bridge: Mar 22, 2024
Eventually, we are all called to go Home.
Last Friday, Henry crossed over to the Rainbow Bridge. We filled his tummy with four glazed donuts, we gave him a final tour of the ranch and he got to see some of the volunteers, including the Friday Broad Squad.
Henry was our one and only Golden Retriever in a sea of heelers and shepherds. He knew to wait in the back of the pack. Eventually, the pack would dissipate and he would be able to greet visitors and volunteers.
When we didn't have so many dogs, Henry was part of our welcome committee at the old ranch. It was Henry and Cozette. They were at all of the fun ranch birthday parties and Christmas photo events.
Henry even got to attend the La Jolla Christmas Parade several times. He donned Lucky's Santa outfit and became the star of the parade. In 2019, Henry even made it onto the front page of the community section of the San Diego Tribune!
Back at the ranch, Henry was such a" Food Thief: Expert level", just as his dog ID said. He knew where we stored the bread and he was determined to get to it. We often found him gnawing on the bread that we had hung in hay nets. It was maddening and hilarious at the same time!
I've had a Golden Retriever in my life since 1984. There was Sunshine, who came back as Sunny... then there was Lucky and then Henry. Now, 40 years later, we are without a Golden Retriever. As much as we miss Henry, we are proud to have given him such a great life. He made so many people laugh and smile.
He was the good in our world.
Henry, we know you're having the best time in Heaven. Please visit us in your dreams when you are not busy eating pizza, bread and donuts!
Henry’s Story
Meet Henry, our almost 14-year-old Golden Retriever with a heart as golden as his fur! Henry is not your ordinary dog; he’s a pet therapy superstar who brings smiles and joy to so many faces.
Henry is a familiar face at the Pacifica Memory Care Center, where he consistently brings joy to the residents. Despite their declining health and memory, the residents may not remember us, but one thing is for sure – their faces light up when Henry walks into the room.
From the moment he found his forever home with Thao and Vince at just 5 months old, Henry has been on a mission to spread love and happiness. He’s our sanctuary’s official “greeter,” and he takes his job very seriously, especially when there’s bagels and pizza involved!
As Henry has gracefully aged, getting up and around has become a bit harder. To keep Henry feeling his best, he receives weekly acupuncture and cold laser therapy to manage his general aches and pains. But his spirit remains as strong as ever, and he still musters up enough energy to head over to the front gate to say hello.
If you’re as touched by Henry’s story, please consider becoming a sponsor and ensuring that Henry can keep doing what he does best – bringing love and happiness to those who need it most.
