As if being a stray wasn’t hardship enough, this dog had been abandoned on a Newport, California beach despite once having a family. To make things worse, he carried an additional 46 pounds due to a tumor on his side.
Luckily, a compassionate passerby spotted Henry, the dog, wandering along the shore and reached out to Valerie Schomburg of Newport Beach Animal Control. The rescuers were shocked by Henry’s condition, far beyond the typical strays they encountered.
The tumor was so massive that it rested on his right front leg near the shoulder, making walking nearly impossible. Henry struggled not only with finding food but also with moving around.
Despite the many hardships Henry had faced in a short time, he remained full of life and enthusiasm. He was perpetually cheerful, wagging his tail, and showered everyone he met with affectionate kisses.
Thankfully, with the help of grants, Schomburg was able to raise enough funds for Henry to undergo surgery to remove the massive tumor. Fortunately, the tumor, although aggressive, had not metastasized.
The surgery was successful, and Henry felt as though a huge burden had been lifted from him. With the tumor removed, he now weighed 78 pounds and could walk comfortably. Following the operation, he was placed with a caring foster family through the Newport Beach Animal Shelter and joyfully began to make up for lost time.
Once the media shared his story, Henry became a local celebrity, garnering fans from around the globe. People from all over the world sent him gifts and treats, expressing their gratitude and admiration for his inspiring tale.
Henry passed away peacefully in his sleep, having fully embraced his time on Earth and discovering love for the first time. His radiant smile and constant tail-wag were a testament to his vibrant zest for life.
Though his loss is heartbreaking, it has led to some positive outcomes. Further investigation allowed authorities to find Henry’s previous owner, who is now facing ongoing legal proceedings after being charged by the OC District Attorney’s Office.
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