Good morning friends.

Recently we were asked to share the story of how Henry came in to our lives. I have told you the story of Sammy and my Kentucky friend in 2005, and Vanessa and I told you the story of when we got Patrick.

So today I will tell you the story of how Henry entered the picture.  If you remember in 2008 our country went through a “Financial Pearl Harbor” — Banks were going down for the count left and right.

Additionally,  on April 21, 2008, my mother had open heart surgery. She had an aortic valve replacement. So I moved in with her for about 6 months while she was rehabilitating.  Between her recovery and commuting to North Jersey for work everyday, I started feeling Sammy was a little lonely.  I did Not know what to do.  The stock markets were extremely intense and the country was shell shocked.

When Lehman Brothers went down within 48 hours of their original news, which was a company that had been around for 100 years, I knew it was lights out for the economy for years to come.  The point being is trading was not letting up, and between work and my mother, I was exhausted.

So one night after work, I went into a pet shop and went right up to the guy and said; “I want the most timid and shy dog in the store.  He said; “that’s an interesting request” — I said; “I know, but I have a very confident little Pomeranian at home,and I don’t want anyone stepping on his toes, but he needs a friend”

So the salesman said, I have the perfect dog for you.  And he handed over this baby Havanese who was shaking like a leaf.  I mean shaking like I couldn’t believe. The dog would not even look up to see who was holding him.  I looked at the salesman and I said, “Perfect, I will take him”  — This guy was looking at me like I was the craziest person he has ever seen walking into his store.  So we get to the register, and he said, that will be $3200.  I said to myself, “Did he just say $3200?”  And yes, he did.  Havanese’s are very expensive dogs. Anyway, I paid the tab and brought this little guy home for Sammy.

When I walked in the apartment, I said to my mother, “Say hello to our new roommate”  — I put him down on the Floor and named him “Henry” right on the spot. It was the perfect fit.  Sammy came right up to him, Henry immediately looked down.

Mission accomplished, Sammy had a friend that was not going to try to be the dominant male.  This all gave way to how the “Soldier of Love” was formed.  His original purpose was to keep Sammy happy.  When Sammy was happy, I was happy. So Henry knew to keep Sammy happy. Now of course years later, life without Henry would be unimaginable.  Henry is way more to the Smith Family then just Sammy’s sidekick.

And that is the story of how Henry came on to the scene.   Happy Sunday Funday.  Day 274 here in Puerto Rico.  Dr. Harp Seal for Sammy & Family.