No Bones About It - Looks Aren't Everything

A few weeks ago we introduced you to . The two-year-old dog is deaf and had been in the rescue for months. The hope was that someone would read the article on Dublin Patch and fall in love. And that is just what happened. Beau was adopted by a loving couple who lives in the Sonoma wine country. He has adjusted well and is living a beautiful life in a happy home (see photos).

This week, we're hoping that a dog named Henry captures your heart. We're also hoping it's a story you'll pass on to friends, family and anyone you think might open their home and their heart to a sweet, loving and silly little dog.

You know the saying, "It's what's on the inside that matters?" In this case, that saying means everything.

Henry was born in the spring of 2010. He's been waiting more than a year and a half to be adopted. Every other Saturday, Henry makes the nearly three hour trip from Stonecliffe Animal Rescue in Leemore to Dublin .

Anyone at the rescue will tell you that Henry is, well, a bit odd looking. He's a Xoloitzcuintle (Mexican Hairless) Poodle Mix - a rather odd combination. The fact that he's part "hairless" means that there are patches on his body where there's nothing more than soft skin. Inevitably, this leads lots of people to wonder if he's sick or if there is something wrong with him. That couldn't be further from the truth.

Henry is a happy, healthy, adorable dog. He tends to be a little shy when he initially meets someone, but when you call out his name he will roll over and get all wiggly as you approach him. He can be a bit squirmy when you first pick him up, but he's calm once he's in your arms and loves any affection.

At the adoption event a few weeks ago, someone took a photo of Henry laying on his back in one of the dog beds. He's a silly dog who just wants to be loved.

Offer Henry a treat and he takes it gently. Reach out to pet him and he'll eagerly accept a belly rub. Give him a command and he listens.

A foster family recently took Henry into their home for a few weeks to help get him adjusted to life outside of the rescue. Right away, Henry confirmed what so many already knew.

"I am amazed at how good he is with kids. Usually, dogs will jump and lick and overwhelm them but he is the perfect balance of affectionate and gentle," noted Henry's foster mom.

The family also said that Henry is great walking on a leash, he's a quick learner and very obedient.

"I think he is used to be part of the pack... I think he feels like he has a purpose, hanging out with the kids, keeping an eye on them and finally being in charge of something. It's really amazing," she added.

Henry's foster family captured some of his time with them in photos (you can see them attached to this article) and when I saw one of them, it caught my attention right away. It's a simple photo, really, Henry gazing off into the distance standing near the shoreline of lake. If you look closely at his tongue hanging out of his mouth, it's almost as though Henry is smiling.

The caption below reads, "He's never had it so good." Perhaps this is why Henry has such an amazing personality; he takes nothing for granted. This was likely Henry's first trip to a lake and he loved being around a family who showered him with attention.

It's sad to think that because of his looks, Henry is always passed up at the adoptions. Perhaps this is why he's had to wait so long for a forever home.

Potential adoptees will lean over the pens and comment, "Look at that cute one" or "This little one is adorable." But while those comments may not be directed at Henry, he knows no different. Instead, he chooses to be the happy, sweet dog that those involved in the rescue have come to know and love.

If you're looking for a wonderful dog to add to your family, Henry just might be your guy. Believe me, what he lacks in looks he makes up for tenfold in personality and love.

What matters is on the inside - whether you're a human or a dog. We just sometimes need a reminder of that now and then and Henry does that for all of us. My guess is that he'd do the same for you if you're his forever family.

If you're interested in learning more about Henry, click here. The rescue will be at Saturday, Nov. 26 from 11a.m. to 3p.m. for an adoption event and you can request to have Henry come to the event. You can also contact Stonecliffe Animal Rescue at stoneclifferescue@hotmail.com.