Meet Henry, The 25-Year-Old Rat Terrier Helping Overlooked Senior Dogs Get A Chance At A Second Life

Henry is a 25-year-old rat terrier whose advanced age has prompted his family to begin a Guinness World Records application — but his story goes beyond longevity. Adopted and cared for by Lori after a 2010 rescue, Henry now serves as a visible advocate for older shelter dogs who are often overlooked and underfunded. Henry came to Lori after authorities removed 29 dogs from a backyard-breeding and hoarding situation in Georgia in January 2010. Six of the dogs were pregnant; the group was taken in because officials said they would otherwise be euthanized. The animals arrived traumatized and unsocialized and spent weeks in Lori’s home while staff worked to gain their trust. Henry, in particular, took a long time to settle and was fearful and sometimes aggressive at first. Today Henry is blind and diabetic, but he’s a stubborn survivor who has adapted to life through sound and scent. He is a registered service dog who alerts Lori to changes in her blood sugar by smacking his lips and whining. His daily life is gentle and comforting: he naps a lot, enjoys a nightly turkey burger (and the occasional piece of prime rib), wears bow ties on outings, travels with Lori, and still delights his family with a little prance she affectionately calls his "doopy walk." He celebrated his 25th birthday with Lori and Jim Larson. Lori has turned Henry’s longevity into a platform to highlight the needs of senior rescue animals. She points out that caring for older dogs often requires ongoing, costly medical support — from regular vet visits and medications to treatments for chronic conditions — and that some rescues face heartbreaking decisions when funds run out. Henry’s life, she says, is a reminder that senior dogs deserve continued care and dignity. Henry continues to be photographed and followed online, and Lori uses his visibility to raise awareness and funds for elderly rescue dogs. Supporters who want to follow his story can find him on social media, and Lori urges people to help relieve the financial burden on rescues so they can keep providing care rather than having to choose euthanasia for older pets.