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Henry likes his martini straight up - water only no gin.
If anyone doubts the power of one, then let me share the story of a three-legged cat named Henry. This cat entered the lives of two women who considered themselves dedicated dog lovers. They never really understood cats and never had a desire to have a cat in their lives.
Until they met Henry.
A few years ago, Henry showed up as a young kitten on the vacation home of Cathy Conheim, a psychotherapist, and Donna Brooks, MD, a retired physician, in Julian, California. They put food out for the kitten, but were content share their home with Dolly, a black poodle.
On a return trip, they discovered Henry in their driveway with his left front leg mangled. They took him to a local veterinarian who gave them two options: euthanasia, or pay for a pricey operation that involved amputation. Without hesitation, they paid for his medical care and found themselves adopting a fast-growing, playful kitten who did not seem bothered by the lack of one of his legs.
So, Conheim began to e-mail friends about this feline symbol for hope and determination. She wrote in Henry’s “voice” and interest grew to include cat-loving people from all over the globe.
Calling herself Henry’s “cat scribe,” Conheim spends hours each day e-mailing advice and support to thousands in need. Each is signed, “Henry jm” (initials for Just Me). She has written two books, Henry’s World and What’s the Matter with Henry? Any individual or group can buy these books at cost and use the profits to help people and animals in need.
In the past few years, Henry’s popularity continues to grow. He now has thousands of “paw pals” all over the globe. His story – and message -- of turning tragedies and traumas into triumphs and hope has captured the media’s attention in print, on the radio and on television.
He became a Top Ten finalist in 2008 for the Animal Planet’s Cat Hero of the Year award. Jack Canfield, co-creator of the Chicken Soup book series, praised the book on Henry by stating, “This is a sweet story with an important message for everyone for reads it. It is definitely Chicken Soup for my soul.”
Conheim devotes her days to share Henry’s story in order to inspire others. As she explains, “Henry reminds us that we are defined not by our misfortunes, but by our responses to them.”
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