Henry

I have only cried once over living in India.  We needed to leave and I NEEDED a shower and the water wasn't heated yet and I took a freezing cold shower and I cried.  It only lasted about 30 seconds and I got out of there pretty quickly.  I have tried my best to look on the bright side of things and see everything as funny even if it's incredibly frustrating.

But then there's Henry...I have cried many many times over Henry.  I held up a picture of him to Oliver and asked him, "Who is this?" That was all it took.  We Skyped with Henry last night and the water works started again.  Saying goodbye to Henry broke my heart.  We had to leave a family member  behind and it didn't (still doesn't) seem fair.  True, he would never survive the flights or the quarantine but I wonder how he is rationalizing living at my father-in-law's without us.

There are hundreds of stray dogs around here, but rabies is quite prevalent so there is absolutely no contact to be had with them.  Oliver looks at them and I wonder if he is remembering our darling dog.  I take heart knowing that Henry is great company for Chuck and that he is being loved and cared for but I still can't help feeling he should be with us.  I miss his snuggles, his quirks, the way he was so protective of me and Oliver.  He would be going crazy over the monkeys and the constant visitors, but he would be with us...his family.  I hope he doesn't forget Oliver and is thrilled to see us upon return.  Until then, we will keep looking at his photos and talking to Oliver about him. I heard the head of school has a Golden Retriever.  I am going to see if we can have a doggie play date.  I don't want Oliver to forget about how great dogs are or become fearful of them while we are gone.

Oh, and the picture above is Henry about to eat a "Doggie Dish" (soft serve and milk bones) from a food stand in Maine last summer. xo