This is Jennifer writing.

In the end, I held Henry in my arms, as we both would have wanted.

I kissed his ears many times, held all his paws, touched every part of his body. His warmth against my warmth. My stepdaughter, who is also his family, was with us, too. I told him everything - reminisced a bit, but he had a long life so there were too many things to say. I said a blessing - then another blessing - then wasn't ready because I had to thank him for so much. My support and companion, waking and sleeping. So funny, so loving, so charming. Those of you who knew him in person (in dogson?) learned that he really was one-of-a-kind. Mighty spirit. Expressive ears. Attunement to love.

I brought him to the best animal hospital in the hopes he would have a better life with adrenal surgery. His health was declining, yet he still loved many things. We went to acupuncture near Boston every two weeks, I made a special diet. We were closer than we ever had been, if that is even possible. Here in Davis, they discovered he had additional health concerns.

Henry-the-Wonder-Dog picked me when he was a 3-month-old rescue puppy in Indiana. My grandmother had a giant, fierce cat and Henry hid behind my legs (he had other choices) - and home he came. He lived near the ocean, with countless jaunts to Seapoint Beach in Maine. He lived in CA, CO, MD, NH. and traveled elsewhere with me. What a trooper! He made friends wherever he went, and he made friends for me - some of my best friends came through Henry.

Throughout my cancer, long Covid, breakups, parenting, moves, financial challenges, and job changes, visiting hospice patients, attending seminary classes and church and South Church Folk rehearsals, even spending 2 weeks with me on Star Island as an emotional support dog (I needed his support because he was sick) - Henry has been by my side. My champion, as I have been his. He visited my patients when I was a hospice chaplain, comforted kids (and adults) who were sad or hurt, loved hamsters, guinea pigs, & cockatiels (yes, you can sniff the bird’s butt, Henry). He married his dog-friend Katie & kissed her at the ceremony, and provided comfort to my cat as she was dying - she got right into a small bed with Henry, and he looked up at me - "What should I do?" That's right, Henry. Just what you did.

All your life, you did the right thing. Who among us can say that?

Oh, my beloved, you will always be with me.

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The oil painting above is by Peter Clive. It captures something of us in the day-to-day.

I am leaving this gofundme open, just in case. The cost was $17,000 - I will find a way to pay. I know we tried everything.

I am deeply grateful for all that people, out of compassion and care, have contributed. And I am so grateful for the love, too, that has come through messages on text and Facebook.

It helps.

Blessings from Henry and me.