Home with Henry: A Memoir

This endearing pet memoir begins in 1997 when copy writer Kaier encounters a cat in the middle of the road on her commute home from work. She proceeds to pull the car around, park on side of the road, and stop traffic just long enough to scoop up the poor orange fur ball and rush it to the veterinarian. Little does Kaier know that adopting this cat, a frightened, untrusting ball of orange fur with great green eyes who she names Henry, would prove to be an exercise in patience—the early days of his adoption are spent with him hissing and spitting at her from underneath her guest room bed. In direct contrast, Kaier’s other cat, Lucille, an affectionate feline rescued in a rainstorm, is curious to meet her new cat companion but must be content with momentary glimpses through the slightly ajar door. One day, Henry gathers the courage to explore the author’s Philadelphia townhouse and slowly integrates himself into Kaier and Lucille’s lives. This sweet little book lovingly recounts the journey of trust both Anne and Henry take together and in their own time. Readers who have rescued pets and have given them the grace and love they needed to learn to trust again will see themselves in Kaier and will cheer for Henry when he finally allows his rescuer to reach out and pet the soft fur behind his ears. (BookLife)