This week, we had the pleasure of hosting Henri—a 12-year-old senior pup with the sweetest baby bear face you’ve ever seen. From the moment we had our first meet and greet, Henri left a wonderful impression on us. When he arrived for his short stay, his dad Warren had him groomed to perfection—he looked just like a little teddy bear, and we couldn’t get enough of him.
Despite this being his first official boarding experience, Henri carried himself with the calm confidence of a seasoned guest. He strolled into our home with ease, showing hardly any signs of nervousness. At his age, Henri clearly knows who he is and what he likes. He’s a mellow, quiet companion who mostly keeps to himself, which is completely normal and expected for a senior dog.
However, there’s one thing that reliably drew him out of his cozy corner—the kitchen! Anytime someone was prepping a meal, Henri would shuffle in with hopeful eyes, clearly hoping to snag a bite of something extra (sorry, Henri—no luck this time!).
Henri was so well-behaved from the start that even my wife made an exception and let him sleep on our bed. With our two resident pups and a pair of big sweet Bernedoodles already taking up space, the bed is getting pretty crowded—but Henri earned his spot with his quiet charm.
While his face still carries the youthful look of a pup, Henri’s energy doesn’t quite match the younger dogs around him. And that’s perfectly okay. We let him set his own pace—napping where he pleases, wandering when he wants, and cuddling only on his own terms.
That said, there was one curious moment during the day when Henri seemed a bit more defensive. If we tried to move him or even invite him to the couch for a cuddle, he would growl a little, even at other dogs that got too close. It’s likely just his way of communicating his need for personal space—something we deeply respect, especially for senior pups.
Still, come mealtime, Henri perked up again, eating with enthusiasm and keeping up a good water intake throughout the day. As long as his spirit and health are in good shape, we’re more than happy to let Henri do his own thing. And no matter what, he’s always surrounded by a home full of love, gentle care, and warm companionship—whenever he wants it.
With her size, energy, and fun-loving spirit, I can already tell she and our babies are going to become the best of friends. Welcome to the family for the weekend, Savannah—you’ve already claimed a spot in our hearts.
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