At two years of age Henry moves his body with an economy suggestive more of wise elder than young poodle pup. Neither skip or squirm betrays enthusiasm nor interferes with the silent, zen-like bearing of his slender ten-pound frame. Exceptionally demure and calm, extravagantly poised and polite, I dub him Little Lord Fauntleroy, half-way expecting him to dress in blue-velvet pantaloons and lacy white shirt. His people are gone for the weekend and I stay at their house to care for the well-behaved, copper-colored prince with soft curly hair.
Henry’s first bark comes at 3am (nothing rude but definitely firm). I race to the dog-crate and propel him outdoors—there will be no accidents on my watch! He exits the house without complaint and I wait. And wait. And call. And call again. Nothing happens. Dimly visible in the inky back yard, he appears highly satisfied while I am highly annoyed. Thirty minutes and multiple treats coax Henry inside, but nothing persuades him to return to the crate. I grab a place on the couch—he selects a side chair—and we pass the next few hours slumbering peacefully.
“Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me,” goes the old saying. The weekend was a little of both. Henry suffers frequent leashing, I suffer if I forget to leash. Henry acquires many treats, I acquire stealth and patience. We’re wary of each other but it doesn’t keep us from enjoying long walks and quiet companionship. As our time together draws to a close, I am still uncertain which of us is boss—but very certain both of us are friends.
4 thoughts on “Henry and me”
What a nice relationship between the two of you. You both serve each other’s needs and each benefits from what the other gives. Nicely described, too – I think I can picture just what Henry looks like.
Henry is a heart-warming combination of ‘ask for nothing’ and ‘don’t leave me out!’.
I love the way your relationship with Henry is mutual and you both don’t wanna be left out but you don’t ask too much of people (and dogs).
Henry and I know each other better now, but it remains true that our friendship doesn’t leave room for demanding much of each other!