Bear’s passing has had a huge effect on all of us, including Hank. As she was the doggie pack leader here, Hank was lost for the first few days after she died. He still occasionally looks for her when it’s time to go outside. I thought that today, to honor him, too, I’d re-share his story and how he became part of our family.
Who, me?
We adopted Hank in 2011 from Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta. We had been looking for a friend for The Dog Who Doesn’t Eat Pizza, Bear, but Bear was a tough sell. She was a dominant alpha female, and didn’t so much love other dogs.
When a volunteer/friend from Golden Retriever Rescue of Atlanta called me and said they had the perfect friend for Bear, I was curious. I dropped everything and drove out to the ‘burbs to meet this boy.
I walked in to the foster home where Hank was staying, sat on the floor to play with him, and he immediately came over and sat in my lap.
That was it. He was coming home with me. It was as if I had “sucker” plastered across my forehead. I was sunk.
Hank on the ride home – first picture as our dog. He’s so handsome.
As you can see, he’s pretty psyched, too.
Hank’s story is not uncommon. His parent fell upon hard financial times and couldn’t keep him. His parent had had him since he was a pup – for almost six years, in fact – and thus Hank now has some separation anxiety issues.
He is usually with me, at my feet or sitting on me. Yes, on me. All 72 lbs. of him. You can often see him in my pictures on the blog, helping with or supervising my projects.
He is storm-phobic, like many retrievers, and thus wants to be on top of someone during a storm. He even climbed in the shower with my daughter once during a storm! (That did NOT go over well with her.)
He is a love. I’m so grateful he adopted us. Even Bear liked him, although she never would have admitted it.
Hank died in May 2020 of heart failure, which is so hard to imagine since he was all heart. What a love he was.
If you are thinking of getting a pet, please rescue one! There are so many animals in need of homes and love and, I promise, they rescue you right back. If you want any information about rescuing dogs in Atlanta, I can give you some information about rescue groups – just email me. If you are outside of Atlanta, please google the breed you want + rescue and I’m certain you will find a rescue group. Or try Petfinder or your local humane society.
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
Wonderful story on Hank rescuing you and becoming your “helper.” Thank you for sharing with us. 🙂
Thanks, Jeanette! Yes, he fancies himself quite the good helper. 🙂
What a beautiful story about how Hank came to be part of your family! Love that very first picture of him riding in your car – he looks so happy that he adopted you! 🙂
Thanks, Laura! He was so happy. He just settled right in with us with no problem. Happy to be here, for sure, and we are so happy to have him!
what a great story i rescued my coco too what a great pup
I love it! I had a rescue dog growing up named Coco. As you might have guessed, he was just a brown dog. Thanks!
I love puppies and all their stories. Over the years we’ve had six dogs and two were rescues. Of the two we have now, Gracie Mae is our rescue and she’s our special girl.
Thanks, Cheryl. Rescues are the best, aren’t they?
Hank phoned and told me there’s only one thing he doesn’t love about his new home – – the DOOK blanket. He’s scared to tell you that what he really wants is a UNC blankie; much more comforting.
Nice try, G, but it’s not going to happen in this house! We are Duke through and through! 😉
Yay Hank! Love the visual of him getting in the shower with your daughter. 🙂 SURPRISE! lol What a sweet face. I’m so glad you have Hank. Has he been hinting that he too needs his own furry helper ? :)))
Surprise is right! She freaked out! It was hilarious, though. I do think that he prefers NOT being the lead dog, but, for now, he’s it. Well, I think I’m the pack leader to him, but no furry helpers just yet. Not ready yet. 🙂
I totally get it. I lost 5 dogs to cancer.. one after another… quickly… so I get it. Yay for Hank! :))) give him a hug and a kiss for me! 🙂 … and consider yourself warmly hugged. :))) maybe even adopted. :))))
I totally feel adopted. 😉 I’m so sorry about your dogs; that’s so hard. Love to you, friend!
Hi Karen, Hank and family. Rescue is THE ONLY way to go. Yes, they have issues, but who doesn’t? We have 3. Shyloe, 6, yellow lab mix. Shelby, 5, not a rescue per se, but rescued my boxer soul. And then there’s Callie Sue, 1 1/2. Catahoulla mix. Callie is a rescue from a yard sale. Yep, made them bathe her too! Of course I threatened to whoop some A–, Georgia style, but she was not staying there anymore!
Each one of mine are so different and so the same. They each bring something different to our pack. But there is NEVER a time when love is ever in doubt!
I just described every family with children, 4 or 2 legs, in America!
Rescue is a two way street!
Hank Man, you are loved like crazy.! Maybe mama will think about getting you a fursibling really soon. We know she will, we just have to wait for her heart to heal so she can make more room for another baby in need of rescue too!
Hugs and smooches from all the Williams pooches, Hope
A yard sale?? That’s a new one. Thank God you found her! See, yard saling pays off. 😉
Thanks to the Williams pooches and you for the love! We aren’t ready yet to get another furry baby, but I’m sure it won’t be long. I have never gone too long without me rescuing a furry friend, or them rescuing me! xoxo
Love your story. We rescued a dog from Golden Retriever rescue of Nj and are getting one of the dogs from Turkey they are bringing over. Wonderful organization…wonderful dogs
That’s awesome, Jennifer! Love it!