Note from MSR (the Rescue): When seven-month old Henri, a Schnauzer mix, arrived at the Southwest Washington Humane Society last year (2001), his left hind leg was broken from a recent fall. His owners relinquished him because they couldn't afford surgery. The Society released Henri to Miniature Schnauzer Rescue, who paid for emergency surgery and found him a new family.

At first, Terri Everson wasn't sure the timing was right to adopt Henri. "I didn't think I was ready to see a dog since I just lost one dog from cancer and was nursing another sick dog in her last days," Everson says. "However, my husband and two children knew that Henri was the dog for us. He adjusted quickly with my sick older dog, who enjoyed having him around for her last two weeks. And he helped heal our broken hearts."

Now, age 1 1/2, Henri spends his days romping with his bud Trayder, a Mastiff/Boxer/Border Collie that the Eversons adopted from Animal Aid. "If Henri ever goes for a walk without Trayder, Trayder sits and cries."

Henri is quite the entertainer. "My daughter taught him to play volleyball in one try. She throws the ball, and he jumps and hits it in the air with his nose and paws. He gets so excited that he barks."

Henri means the world to his family. "He is a bundle of love, energy, and joy in one small creature," Everson says. "And when I was sick with pneumonia for five days, he never left my side."

Her dogs were the inspiration behind Everson's pet-sitting business. "It was only after a difficult few months of losing two loving dogs and gaining two young pups that I decided to start my business. I am able to go home and visit my own dogs during the day."

Henri is a small pooch with a big heart. He loves everyone, including Everson's senior cat, two Parakeets, and one fish. "I will always adopt a pet from a rescue organization because there are so many that need homes," Everson says.