Hank’s Story
Hank's absence is greatly felt by our family. He took very seriously his job of keeping our home, family, and small dairy goat farm in order. Hank and his mom had a special bond, as she was the one mainly responsible for meals and snacks, car rides, and walks throughout the metro area. As much as Hank loved his home, he loved running errands and shopping with his mom, and all the smells that wafted through the window along the way. He’d get so excited when pulling into the parking lots of stores he knew he could enter, or, pulling into communities where he knew he could take walks.
We first met Hank, an estimated one-year old, German Shepherd mix in June 2015 at a dog adoption at a Beaverton PetSmart. He appeared weary, afraid, and out of place amongst all the smaller breads available for adoption that day. From the moment we took him out of the kennel he was cowering in the back of, he stuck to us like glue. Although we had traditionally been a retriever and terrier dog family, without herding dog experience, looking into his hopeful eyes, we felt an undeniable connection, and knew he was meant to be part of our family of 7 humans, 2 dogs (Westipoo and Flat-coated/Golden Retriever mix), rabbits and dairy goats.
In those initial weeks, we were always reinforcing our fenced yard area - as anytime the kids left the property, he would find a way out to trail them to oversee their adventures. And, when they set up a tent on the property for an overnight campout, Hank would be right there, keeping watch all night. Hank was an eager student, however, because he wasn’t a big treat guy in the beginning, formal dog training classes didn’t last long. Soon we noticed that Hank studied and copied our two other dogs so well, that, this suspected stray was learning to be a “dog.” Before long he was rolling over on his back for belly rubs, ringing the doorbell (the doorstop) to get back in the house, walking well on a leash, sitting to say “hello,” being good at “waiting” and “listening,” and responding to the “come” command. He studied our routines and rules of the house and was an active participant. Soon, it didn’t matter if the front door was wide open or there was an opening in the fence, he wouldn’t run out, even if people, dogs, horses were traveling by our home. He had a deep respect for dogs behind fences protecting their property, and he never barked back. Instead, he would sniff, wag his tail, and smile, as if to say “good job.”
Hank passed away with a rare cancer (June 2014 – October 2024) - clear cell adnexal carcinoma, affecting only a small number of dogs on record. It started with a small tumor on his left back paw toe. The tumor was discovered and removed about 3 years ago, and the next year the toe was removed to get better margins. Unfortunately, the cancer had metastasized to his left leg lymph node found in June 2023. This last year with Hank was truly a gift. He really wasn’t ever “ill” The tumor had grown to where it burst. It must have been very painful, but he never slowed down and maintained his routine. Cancer is so horrible. Hank would have been an active boy for several more years if it weren’t for this cancer. We hope for a cure one day. We miss Hank terribly, but we will always be grateful to have had him in our lives. He truly was the BEST dog!!!