Along came Henna
It was love at first sight.

Tracey Semeleng-Zabel of Oak Park sent in this poem about 3-year-old Henna, a Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix. Henna was a Christmas present for Zabel's daughter.

That's right-

The moment I saw her, with her curly fan-like tail

whipping furiously

back and forth.

Her round doe eyes

begging me, Take me home! Take me home!

And that's just what I did.

Her little pink tongue slobbering me with kisses

saying thank you.

She is

my shadow, my playmate,

my best friend. We do everything together-

take walks,

rides in the car,

and visits to grandma's. We play with my other friend(who love her, too).

She even sleeps at the

end of my bed,

nestled at my feet. She's sad when I have to leavwithout her.

She whimpers and moans,

which makes me feel

extra sorry.

She is my protector- even from my little sister. She has got one mean,

ferocious growl

for such a sweet,

loving pup-cess.

We will be together forever,

my Henna and I, because I just don't remember

what it was like before

Henna came along.