I woke up in the middle of the night as sick as a dog. Wait. My dog never got this sick. Henry, my Golden, had the constitution of an ox and the compassion of a Mystic, so he followed me from the bedroom as I raced to the bathroom.
I don’t remember what happened next, except when I awakened I had a huge headache, an even bigger lump on my head, and someone breathing into my nose.
I had not only fainted, I must have had a seizure (rare but an occurrence if my body gets stressed). I lay flat on the cold tile bathroom floor; just lifting my head caused me to groan. The dizziness was all-encompassing. I could not get up.
My husband was on a business trip, and my bed and phone were miles away.
But not Henry. His face covered mine, and then he licked me from stem to stern. “Stop,” I moaned. His tongue was long and wet and cold. I began to shiver. Henry would have nothing to do with my protestations. Once he explored my skin and found no blood, he knew what to do to protect me.
He plopped on top of me. The warmth of his body settled mine. I didn’t want him there, and I shouted for him to leave. But he never wavered, except for getting up once in a while to peer into my eyes. Was I okay?
After three hours, I finally crawled from bathroom to bed and climbed up on the bed, burrowing into the sheets. I slept for hours and when I woke up mid-morning, hours later than Henry’s own pee time and breakfast, he sat upright next to the bed, staring into my eyes. Are you okay? He asked, licking my face.
No. I pulled my phone close and called my daughter to help me. Henry never left my side until she arrived, and even then, he’d never peed so fast, forsaking his meal to plop right by my side again.
More Mystic than ox, I decided.
Well done, Henry. Hope you are feeling better, Pamela.
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Oh yes, Henry has taken such great care of me. This happened a few years ago. He’s since “passed,” but is still very much “present.” Thinking of you and sending good wishes. ❤
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Th ones like Henry never leave us, do they? xx
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Dogs are incredibly intelligent and loyal. Our golden, Tango, was one of the best dogs we’ve owned. What a scary situation! I don’t know if this was recent or a long time ago, but I hope you’re doing much better now, Pam.
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If we allow our dogs to show their love, it’s almost overwhelming. This event happened a few years ago, and just one of the many ways Henry took care of me. To Tango and Henry and the lessons of love our pets teach us.
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He was a really good dog to look after you like that!
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Truly a kindred Spirit, Anneli. But you know exactly how that is with your special dogs. xo
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Yes, I think anyone who loves their dogs the way they should be loved will have a faithful friend.
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Absolutely heart-touching story. Thank you for sharing this with us.
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Thanks for reading my ode to Henry. I have many such posts throughout my blogging years. Dogs can inspire and teach us in so many ways.
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Yes, I believe I remember a couple from the past.
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Ode to dear Henryyyy. What a love ~
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You know…you know the heart that was/is in Henry. ❤
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Pingback: Oxen Mystic REBLOG – Raw Earth Ink
Good dog, indeed. I trust you are better now
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Thanks, Derrick. Yes, this was an event that happened a few years ago when I got the flu. Since then I’ve been a firm believer in the flu vaccine! ;-0
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🙂
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Dogs are amazingly perceptive and sensitive animals. Thank goodness he was there for you.
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Henry saved me in so many ways! Dogs do that. ❤
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Oh my! I never know if your stories are truth or fiction or a little of both? If truth, it is an amazing story! (If fiction, an amazing story, too.) Sweet love, compassion and caring.
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My dog stories are always pure truth (non-fiction) – never need to fictionalize the power of a dog’s love. ❤
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Awww, awww, that is so heart-melting!
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Oh Henry…thanks for helping our friend. Love this, Pam! xo
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You are a true friend, Jill, to read my post in the middle of your NaNoWriMo! Hope it’s going well. xo
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Oh wow, Pam. The intelligence of animals never ceases to amaze me. I hope you are feeling better by now. Incredible story!! Thank you for sharing it. xo
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In many ways, our pets’ intelligence is attuned to their instincts/intuition. If only we humans could learn to trust our intuition more – enlarging kindness and compassion. ❤
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Pam, I am learning to trust my intuition and have done so for many years. I have cats around me so they in how they exist have shown me so many vital lessons. I have a horse next door to me and she has shown me over and over again intelligence that goes beyond “logic”. Birds as well that come here …. the connection we have gained some people would think I am hallucinating. Oh no. The intelligence in the natural world is mind blowing!!
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xoxox ❤ !
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Such love and care. Thank you for sharing this. And I hope you are feeling better!
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Henry took such good care of me and I, in turn, took care of him in his elder years. He’s now gone from me physically (this event took place a few years ago), but he’s still with me emotionally and psychically. ;-0
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His impact seems powerfully ever lasting. 🙂
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Oh the power of a pet’s loyalty … and cheers to their sense of intuition.
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Henry’s ability to “know” my moods and needs “blew me away,” as the expression goes. He certainly taught me many, many lessons on love and caring. (By the way, Henry also LOVED walking the beach.) 🙂
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Cheers to Henry’s love for the beach! Next walk for more Saturday morning.
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Dogs are empaths that we mere mortals need to survive! Henry is still watching over you. And I for one am so glad he is.
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You’re so fortunate because your good buddy is still with you. Empaths for sure. xo
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💗
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❤
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The flu is a scary thing and I’ve been in an eerily similar situation so I know how horrible it is. I am constantly amazed at the intelligence and fierce love that our dogs show. They have an unconditional love for us (as long as they’re not mistreated), they’re great listeners, and they are the best protectors. Kudos to the amazing Henry and cheers to dogs everywhere.
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How fascinating, Amy, that you’ve been in an “eerily similar situation.” Let’s not forget to talk about that next summer in O.C N.J.! I love seeing the photos of your special (and adorable) dog. Oh, and I also loved the dog in your cozy mysteries. 🙂
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Animals are so special–my dog passed a good many decades ago now but the lovable cockapoodle, Jet-Bear always knew if any of us were stressed or unhappy. Of all the family dogs–and we have had a few–Jet-Bear was the one that touched our hearts and souls the most. Once in a long while, in the misty distance, we would see a miniature black curly “bear cub” checking that we were still okay. . . .
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I totally believe that Jet-Bear is present in his own way, checking up on you all. My guy is not a believer in this, Y E T, several times I’ve heard him say “Hi Henry” (who passed several years ago) and then look at me in self-defense: “I just saw him lying next to the couch, like he always did!!” 🙂
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What a heartwarming story! You were truly blessed to have Henry the Oxen Mystic in your life. I’m glad you were all right because of his careful and devoted attention. ♡ My husband remembers his childhood golden retrievers very fondly.
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We have been lucky to have two Golden Retrievers in our family. Tory was a breeder for the Guide Dogs and a total luv. Her face showed her emotions so clearly that we always knew if she had gotten into trouble or had snuck up on the couch while we were away on errands. 🙂 Henry we raised from 8 weeks on, and he was “my baby” for his entire life. Except, really, he’s the one who babied and took care of me. ❤
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Dogs are angels, Pam. Pure unconditional love. I’ve always thought that the world would be a much kinder, happier place if we were more like our dogs. Henry was the hero of the day. I read in the comments that this is a true story and that Henry has passed on. As a dog-lover myself, I know he’s still in your heart. ❤
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This is a total true story – I think I’d have been much sicker without Henry there to keep me warm and safe (and not too scared!). His heart seemed to beat with mine, you know? But yes, you do know. ❤
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Awww. We just lost our last dog on Wednesday, so you post was extra touching. I love dogs – especially Goldens.
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Such a heartbreak, Diana. I know. Big hug.
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Sorry to hear that, Diana! ❤
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We’re adjusting. We knew it was near.
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When Will’s mom passed, Mercy and Will took care of her dog for a year. Oscar had heart problem. They came home one day and found that he was gone, but it was expected.
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He’s with his true love…
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Yes, he is Pam. I remember sending them an eCard with the saying “All dogs go to heaven.”
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😦 Those are always sad times.
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Takes a long time to adjust – all those weeks (months?) of walking through the door expecting a doggy hug… 😦
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Yeah. My husband still talks to the dog even though she isn’t here in body. He loved the dog more than he loves me. Lol. ❤
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Oh my heart be still. Our kids have always said Henry was our “third child” and we loved him the most. 🙂 NO…just equally. 🙂 I think your husband is so sweet. Let me know if the dog answers…. ❤
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❤
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This is the second *dogs are great* post I’ve read this morning. Their sense of concern for humanity is inspiring and wonderful and positive. Henry was a hero, and don’t we need more of them these days?
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Yes, if more people had Henry’s in their lives, they’d be so much happier and relaxed and not stressed. Whenever I was stressed or sad, Henry put his head on my lap and looked up at me with those big brown eyes. My blood pressure lowered in an instant. 🙂
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What a wonderful story (as it has a happy ending because you are with us, even if your beloved Henry no longer is (in body, of course).
Tell me they don’t know what’s going on… g’head. No, you can’t because you KNOW.
Thank you for sharing, Pam!
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Oh yes, I definitely know that dogs know more about “what’s going on” than we do. Henry has left us many (MANY) signs. He’s nudging me right now. You know how they nudge your arm so you can’t do anything but pet them…. 🙂
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They do. Way more. And I can imagine he is. Zeke does that, too. 🙂
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I know… I can tell by the way you write about Zeke. ❤
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💗
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Wow! What a great story, Pam. I love it! What a good dog. ❤️
I remember once when I was sick and went back up to bed in the morning, both cats left their usual spots to come up and sleep with me. It’s very comforting.
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SOOOO comforting, Merril. Pets care in the best way they know – by cuddling and licking you up and down your face. 🙂
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Yes, they do!
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I think this is a true story Pam, one that actually happened to you, recently or in the past. Whichever way, it was a scary one and I deeply empathise. Henry is a hero … bless his heart. Please give him a pull of the tail from me and much patting when next you think of him or in your dreams…
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Yes, Susan, a totally true story that’s I’ve kept in my heart and head for several years. I thanked Henry so many times, and I was with him when he took his last breath, petting and covering him with my warmth as he had done with me.
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So sorry to hear that your guardian angel, Henry, has passed. Wasn’t he just the wonder. I’m so glad you had him by your side during this ordeal!
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Henry is “gone” but never forgotten, and he’s left us signs of his presence in many eerie ways. Interestingly, when we “dog-sit” our granddog (another Golden), Charlie sniffs all of the Henry spots, as if he’s still here…!
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Thank you for sharing this Pam. It’s nice to have a “good” cry right now….
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A good cry clears our heart and soothes our soul, doesn’t it? Love to you!
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What a beautiful and heartwarming story Pam! Thank you for sharing Henry and his loyal dedication and love. 🐶
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Thank you Brad. Henry is always in my heart. HIs dedication and love affected me (and still does) for always. ❤
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Some pets and people live on in our hearts.
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Almost teared up…Henry is so much like my ‘Toby’ —the breed’s beautiful way of showing concern, love, and family.
Hope you’re all better/
BR xox
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I’ve enjoyed seeing your photos of your Toby. (did I ever tell you that we had a Golden, before Henry, called Tory? So close in names!) But yes, Goldens are amazing empaths and caring creatures. xo
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I loved this story, Pam. Dogs are amazing and I’m happy that Henry was there for you that night. ❤
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Henry “saved” me in more ways than one. When a dog truly loves a human, and gives “his person” his all – it’s an incredible gift. But you know that!
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What a wonderful story about your dear Henry. Dogs are so special and very clever too. Now if only he could have brought you your phone!.
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I had left “bring the phone to me in your mouth, gently, and don’t slobber” out of his training! Hmmm, how about Dot?? 🙂
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I haven´t trained her to bring me the phone either. But when it rings she usually runs to the front gate because she knows Paul will be home soon. (He calls to let me know he´s on his way and to put the kettle on) xo
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Awwww. 🙂 xo
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Aww! I love Henry. Thanks for sharing Henry’s love with us, furry friends are the best!
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You say it all, alliteratively , Balroop. Furry Friends ARE Fantastic!!
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As I read, riveted again by story, I was trying to tease out fact from fiction. Then, in comments I discovered this narrative was a real occurrence. Good doggie, that Henry. What a memory!
Oxen mystic fits better than Ox-y-moronic. 🙂
I’m happy that, in the end, your dog actually could “talk” to you. If I ever get another dog, it will have to be a Golden. Huge hugs, Pam!
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We are in such a quandary, Marian. Henry could never be replaced, of course. And both my guy and I were extremely close to him (our kids teased that we loved (and spoiled) him more than they). 🙂 But I know each pet in our lives bring his or her own treasure of love. But… so much work and time and effort needed, living with another being. So… we haven’t decided. Do you think of having a pet?
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Maybe at some point . . . !
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What an incredible dog, Pam. Thank you for sharing Henry with us. I’m so glad that he was there to take care of you.
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Dogs like Henry are always only a “heartbeat” away. Even when they’re gone… xo
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I want a dog. What a heartwarming story.
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I wonder if you might consider adding a dog to your household, Gerlinde?
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A great tribute to a wonderful friend. Thanks, Pamela.
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That’s exactly what this is, John. A tribute. Thank you. ❤
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😁
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What a wonderful thing, Pam. Henry will never be forgotten.
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Never. And Mary, a dog’s spirit, just as a human’s, never dies. xo
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Kudos and kisses to Henry the Great! ❤ Hope your are well on the mend, Pam.
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Yes, and thanks, Bette! ❤
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There is no doubt in my mind that animals are the most amazing creatures. We just don’t give them the credit they deserve. Well, you just did and many of us know how perfect they are. Things like this event imprints on your soul. You remember it like it was just yesterday. How fortunate that you had a Henry to love you through that scary situation.
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So much of you what you say is sooooooooooo “right on,” Marlene. If we open up to a dog and allow them into our hearts and souls, they are there for you, for eternity. ❤
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That must have been such a scary experience even if it happened years ago, Pam. Luckily you woke and managed to call your daughter in the end. Henry sounded so protective and concerned for you, and sensed something was wrong. Dogs can be so loyal and as the phrase goes, dogs are your best friend 🙂
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I wasn’t as scared as I could have been….because I had Henry by my side. Yes, this happened years ago, and it’s as clear in my mind as if it happened two months ago. Some experiences in love and loyalty are never erased from our minds. Thank goodness!
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That is true, love and loyalty are never really erased from our minds – and hearts. Henry sounded like a very special dog. Take care, Pam 💕
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Glad Henry stayed by your side!
Awesome tale.
Stay well!
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Awesome tale about a dog who had a swish swish swishy awesome tail. 🙂
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Touching story and a wonderful loving dog! Time to teach your dog to fetch the phone.
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🙂 I think dogs would more likely like to learn to take phones AWAY from their people who should spend more time petting the pet instead. 🙂
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What an amazing story! Dogs are just amazing companions and you’ve provided evidence of Henry as a caregiver! I’m glad to read that this was a past experience, but so glad you’ve shared it.
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Some experiences are ingrained in our minds and hearts forever. Henry, and his love, is certainly part of me forever. ❤
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They are amazing. A cat wouldn’t do that. I hope you’re feeling better, Pam!
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I’m well. And I suppose that’s why I love dogs so much as opposed to cats. ;-0
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Yep, me too!
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What a scary story. Dogs do pick up on seizures, anxiety, high BP and many other changes in our body. Henry certainly did take care of you. My brother’s dog wouldn’t leave my mother’s side at the end of her life — he sensed the end was near. Very comforting for her.
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Your brother’s dog gave such a gift to your mom – being there with her when she passed. Henry (and dogs like Henry) definitely are attuned to our biologic and emotional rhythms.
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Isn’t it wonderful how dogs just know that we need help, and are so willing to provide it? Even at personal sacrifice. I’m sorry you lost Henry, but what a wonderful memory!
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Yes, for reasons like Henry’s loyalty and immense love, my memory of him is bright and never fades…
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What a blessing! So glad you are all right.
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Thank you, Carla. Dogs are special beings. If we love them, they love us 10x stronger. ❤
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How awful, but how wonderful of Henry to look after you like that. The little ones may not know how to talk, but they know how to love. If there’s a heaven, and I know who I’d like to be reunited with. -hugs-
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As Will Rogers said, “If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
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Amen! And cats too. 🙂
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Hi Pam, I see in the comments that this didn’t just happen. I was very worried while I was reading. How great that Henry took such good care of you. I’m glad he was there for you. It must have been frightening.
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The way I view time, there is no straight line, so Henry’s help is as active and current to me as when it occurred. Weird? He was my faithful and long-time companion for 13 wonderful years. He took good care of me, and then I did the same to him. (He loved the canned pumpkin I put in his dog food…) 🙂 A pet’s love is like no other. xo
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That’s true, Pam 🙂
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A powerful testament to dog love. They are exceptional beings.
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YES, in some ways, dogs have an inner sense that humans either don’t have, or refuse to see. I’ve always noticed how “Zen” both of my goldens were, and tried to learn from their example. 🙂 xo
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What an amazing and heart-warming story, Pam. Henry was truly a wonderful companion! I do suspect that if something happened to me, Winston would just wander away but maybe I’m doing him a disservice!!
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Oh, Andrea. I hope you never find out, but my guess (from what I’ve read about you and Winston) is that he would surprise you and protect you to the best of his ability. Truly! ❤
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Ode to the great dog Henry 💟
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Ode, indeed. Thank you! ❤
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Such a beautiful and poignant story, one that does not surprise me. The loyalty and intelligence of dogs is something quite incredible. What a wonderful tribute to Henry. Love all the photos… those eyes!! It must have been very hard to adjust to life without him.
Peta
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Peta – I think you’ll understand this. Henry never really “left.” We ‘saw’ him and felt him for months after …and even years. His energy is still around – he held so much love, how could that die? I LOVE reading about your special “rescues” and how much you love these dogs, and how much they give back in return.
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I slipped on the ice and hit my head. My black lab immediately laid on my abdomen to keep me warm. I tripped on the cement steps and he was immediately by my side. They KNOW.
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Keep your black lab by your side always!! Yes, labs are also amazingly empathetic and loyal and full of love. Thanks for your story. Give your sweet lab a pet from me, please. ❤
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I was so worried that this happened just now and didn’t know if your husband was still away. I know, it felt like it happened just now because you’d never forget about how Henry took care of you. Isn’t it amazing how he stayed with you until your daughter arrived? And even then, he stayed with you. Dogs are more compassionate than humans. Thank you for sharing this incredible true story with us, Pam. ❤
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Wow, how scary Pam. But love the fairytale ending. ❤
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Isn’t it wonderful that sometimes fairy tale endings aren’t make-believe, but reality? xo
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❤
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Dogs truly are extraordinary in knowing when those they love are unwell. I was glad to hear this was some time ago. Hoping this finds you well.
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All is well, except I miss Henry. ❤ Do you enjoy a dog's companionship, Sue?
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We had a dog for 12 years while our kids were growing up. Heartbreaking to say goodbye to that pup. Now we have grand dogs and enjoy the very much.
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We’re in the same situation. We enjoy our Golden grand on this coast. and our silver lab grand on the other coast, and come home to a fur-free environment. 🙂
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Oh my, what a horrible thing to happen to you, Pam. Henry sounds like he was a wonderful dog and friend to you. A great piece.
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Thanks Robbie. I miss Henry every day. xo
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What a scary situation for both you and Henry. Animals have such a high awareness of danger and they really do know how to take care of their people. I was glad to hear that this was three years ago and not recently because as I was reading I was thinking Covid…you will always have Henry in your heart. Your bodyguard. Happy Fall.
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Awww, thanks Cheryl. Henry was my furry loving bodyguard for sure. Every once in a while I’m tempted to get another dog, but… I’ll stick with doggy memories for now. ❤
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What a title, Pam. You remind me of the exceptional senses of dogs. I am hoping this is a fiction story, yet I suspect more. Reading through the comments I see how it is non-fiction. Wonderful, loving doggy memories. ❤️
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My Oxen Mystic is a true story of my real-life dog-mystic, Henry, who is no longer with us in body, but still most definitely in Spirit. ❤
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Cute !!
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Thank you for reading!
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Dogs are amazing animals! Your story really moved me. ❤️🙏
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Thanks so much for visiting! Nice meeting you on our blogs.
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He was a great canine to take care of you like that!
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Yes he was. A great BEING, as well. Thanks for visiting!
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