Meet Henry, the perfect four-legged running buddy

Belleville News-Democrat’s Pet of the Week is Henry — the perfect combination of energy and loyalty. The 3-year-old black labrador mix is strikingly more labrador with the characteristic ‘labrador smile’ to boot. He loves to gallop through a yard, play fetch for hours and is becoming increasingly more receptive to commands.

Henry yearns to please. He might even be getting a bit too clever, going as far as avoiding a toy in his kennel if he thinks it could mean the end of play time. At about full-size, he is accustom to being a running buddy with staff at the Belleville Area Humane Society but also “enjoys cuddling up under the desk after a long day.”

Henry was originally surrendered after his original owners had a baby. Between the dramatic lifestyle change and Henry not pre-socialized to the newborn, the couple decided to give Henry to the shelter hoping they could find a better fit for him.

The owner came to check on him a few weeks later, sending in a co-worker as he was too upset to see him again.

“They definitely cared a lot about the dog,” said shelter volunteer Jessica Weier. “Sometimes situations just don’t work out. That’s why we want to find him a good home.”

His high-energy makes him a great candidate for a growing family “in a noiser home, opposed to a quiet home.” Henry would be the perfect fit for a family looking to expand one more member and instill responsibility to the children.

“He would be great with kids; he just needs to be socialized,” Weier said. “All it takes is some encouragement, socialization and training.”

Henry is available for adoption at the Belleville Area Humane Society. For more information call 618-235-3712.

STILL NEEDS A HOME

▪  Jazzica is still available at the Belleville Area Humane Society. Call 618-235-3712 for more information.

▪  Samson, a six-month-old mastiff mix, is still available at the Highland Animal Shelter. Call 618-654-6067 for more information

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 11:37 AM with the headline "Meet Henry, the perfect four-legged running buddy."