Ten Years Ago Today...

Ten years ago today I was born!  I was born near Grand Rapids, MI into a litter with two other brothers and seven sisters.  My dog mama's name was Chelsea and my dog daddy's name was Dr. Pepper.

I was adopted in March of 2000.  I remember the day my forever mom came and picked me out.  All ten of us puppies were out on the front porch playing and this nice young girl came and played with us.  We were all so excited that she could be our forever mom.  For some reason, she really liked me.  I was only one of two English Setters with spots over my eyes.  I think that was what won her heart, or maybe it was my puppy kisses.  We instantly bonded; I knew that we would become best friends.  I was so lucky and I have been very happy in my forever home ever since.

In honor of my birthday, mom pulled out the old scrapbooks (you know how moms are).  It was fun reminiscing about being a puppy again.  In many ways, I still feel like I am a puppy.  I love to play all day long!

Enjoy some of my Hank puppy pictures...

At 8 weeks old in my new home...

At 10 weeks old napping with a pillow...

At 12 weeks old on the swing...

For All of My Friends in the North...

I hope this gives you a giggle today.  Some of us know exactly how this poor dog feels.

                                          

I Rescued A Human Today

I received this poem from my beautiful cat friend, JazzydaCat.  She is beautiful inside and out and I am so happy to have met her on Twitter.  I love this poem.  Thank you for sharing it, Jazzy.

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels.  I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her.  I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel, I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage.  I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today.  Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card I hoped she wouldn't feel sad about my past.  I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.  She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.  I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.

Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.  A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.  Soon my kennel door opened and her smile so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms.  I would promise to keep her safe.  I would promise to always be by her side.  I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.  I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor.  So many more out there who haven't walked the corridors.  So many more to be saved.  At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

- Anonymous

I hope every dog and cat have the opportunity to rescue a human.  We make great companions.

DudeFest - A Pawty With A Cause

You know that old saying? "To the world you might be one dog, but to one dog you might be the world." This past weekend, January 16th and 17th, my anipals and I meant the world to some dogs and cats we've never met.  

To celebrate my 10th birthday, my best anipals threw me a birthday pawty on Twitter, Dudefest. It was over two days and featured music, dancing, food and most importantly, lots of great friends. What more could a ten-year-old dog want? Dudefest was also a fundraiser for a local animal shelter near my hometown called AC Paw. Together we raised over $600 for dogs and cats in need. 

It was literally the pawty of the year! There were so many anipals in attendance including dogs, cats, rabbits, teddy bears, hedgehogs, frogs, a sock monkey and more. It included a four-tier birthday cake with squirrels and bacon (bacon-flavored frosting too!). We had a band play called "The Shibbering Cheetos" to showcase dogs' love for Cheetos. So much more than a dog like me could ever dream of! 

Most importantly, it was a pawty with a cause. I hope we help the dogs and cats at AC Paw find their furever homes.

Your friend,

Hank the Doggy

"May every dog find a home and every home find a dog." Life really is better with animals.