Hank's Journey

20/07/2023

My three very different dogs beach style. Hank keeps himself cool

10/07/2023

Finally got Hank in the water!!! He still has bad anxiety in some moments but today, he was in his bliss! After playing with his four doggy friends on the beach, and running wild (off leash for some moments until he lost this privilege lol), Hank had a nap in the sand

20/06/2023

Daily snuggles mid-work day

18/06/2023

Well y'all, we are at it again. Please share
I was contacted to help urgently find a forever home or foster home for a rescued dog in need. This precious girl is about 4 or 5 years old. She is approx 45 lbs and looks as if she has recently had pups. Despite having had a difficult go, she is FULL of love and is just desperate for attention. She is very affectionate and because she does not have any manners or training yet, likes to jump on people to give them kisses. I visited her when she was around children and there were no signs of aggression despite the little ones pulling on her and bopping her on the nose. She seems to do okay with cats. I cannot comment how she is with dogs at this point but I introduced her to my smallest dog through a fence and she went wild with excitement and barked. Larger dogs would need to be trialed. She is very food motivated and is already learning to sit with treats. I have spent countless hours on the phone trying to secure help for her. Shelters are full and I am unable to take her as I have recently taken in another stray dog. Thanks to an amazing organization, we are able to cover her visit to the vet in the next few days, her vaccinations, and her spay. If you have love to give, space to receive love, patience to train this precious girl and an understanding of dogs who may have gone through difficulty, please reach out and I can share more of her story. I have rescued many dogs and I get the strong sense that once she settles in, she will be so loyal, loving, and a big lap dog. She has lots of energy so lots of walks and or a very secure yard is best for her. I think she has lived her life outdoors but would LOVE to be an indoor dog and be with her human(s) all the time. Please share. Thank you!
*Please note that I am not able to respond to every comment or suggestion - but will respond to inquiries for her to become a family member!*

15/06/2023

With the right support and medication, Hank really enjoyed his first of what will be many camping trips! He is really becoming very cuddly with me and with his little sisters.

07/06/2023

Just being a dog 🐶🦴.

05/06/2023

An unlikely friendship developing 💕. Hank got scared when I shut the blinds and went to Dixie for comfort. 75 lbs and 10 lbs 💕🐶🐩🦴

03/06/2023

Seeing improvements day by day at this point! He’s happy and content this morning. He has awesome gained his last bit of weight, so I can finally reduce his food intake!

02/06/2023

Hank sporting his new thunder shirt!

31/05/2023

Positive update! Week 3 on anxiety medication and I’m starting to see some light in Hank’s eyes. He has found another person he trusts (my mom) and has enjoyed head rubs from her. Hank’s tummy has been good since his antibiotics and he remains on probiotics. He likes to come down to the water with my other dogs, but doesn’t like to go in past his knees. We will see what happens when it gets really hot again. He might be more interested in swimming as he gets very hot quickly!

27/05/2023

Happy Friday everyone. I have decided to start Hank a Go Fund Me account as it has become evident that he will need long lasting care in the form of vet follow up and potential investigations of shoulder issues, continuous medications, supplements, and emotional/behavioural support. Hank's anxiety remains very high and I have not been able to leave him home alone with the other dogs. He continues to jump with any sound, pace, and not be able to settle unless we are seated and still. He finds his pen safe and retreats there when is overwhelmed but broke out of it when we went to a neighbours (we have a camera on him). His PTSD breaks my heart and I would like to hire a professional to come in and assess ways that we can help Hank build his sense of safety and trust without becoming 100% dependent on us for his total regulation. Thank you to everyone who has supported, loved, and cheered Hank on thus far and thank you to those who can contribute to the Hank Fund to fund his healing. Please consider sharing the link.
Take good care and have a lovely weekend!

https://www.gofundme.com/f/hanks-journey?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

20/05/2023

A little taste of Hank’s anxiety. I dropped the water container in the kitchen while he was happily eating and he ran upstairs. 10 mins later he deemed it safe to maybe come back down.  I’m considering working with a trainer well-versed in emotional health and not just behavioural strategies to get some tips on how to build his sense of security and safety without creating total dependence on me.
I know it’s important that he has access to run to a safe place which at this point is his pen upstairs but I need some guidance as to figure out at what point I should put a gate on the stairs and help him learn how to settle downstairs. I have brought his pen downstairs and tried many times to create a safe space for him in the main living area, but he doesn’t like any downstairs areas unless we are not moving around or are sitting on the kitchen chairs or sofa. Then he will rest, cuddle, and finally sleep. He also loves it in my office with me as I’m sitting doing video calls, and also likes to hang out when I meet with clients in person. As long as everyone is seated, and not moving around, he’s happy

20/05/2023

The dogs hard at work

12/05/2023

Update May 12. Hank is doing well and the medication is definitely helping his stomach. Results of send-away testing can take up to a week to help determine cause. Back yard is all sprayed with diluted chlorine water to keep from re-infection for all the dogs.
Hank ran through the screen door last night so now he's scared to go outside! Poor guy! I think I'll spray the screen yellow so it's more visible!

10/05/2023

Prayers and thoughts again for Hank. Chronic, bloody diarrhea Since last night. I just can’t say enough amazing things about Kent vet, and how well they know and treat Hank and me. Smear indicates a massive identification of rods in his p**p, and it has gone out for further diagnostic testing. Started on meds  while we wait for the results. Pedialyte every hour to keep him hydrated.  this little boy and I have been on quite the roller coaster ride, and we are waiting for some smooth sailing.  as much as I love the vet clinic, it would be really nice not to have to go once or twice every single week!
I have been sanitizing the yard every time he goes until I know if what he has is infectious and contagious or not to protect my other two dogs. We are all exhausted!

07/05/2023

Are you or do you know a very reliable and responsible dog-loving person who would be available for (day or overnight) dog sitting in my home in Harrison Mills? Do you know charge for 2 or 3 dogs? (I’d leave Playa with Hank and perhaps take Dixie). Hank can’t be left long on his own and I have a grandma in care in Surrey who is not going to be around for a lot longer who I’d like to visit as often as I can. I don’t want to leave Hank in the car. I’m also planning for summer and camping trips. I hope hope hope Hank is relaxed enough to do okay camping.

03/05/2023

Hankster’s labs are perfect. No thyroid issue. Not the reason he sheds about 60 handfuls of hair a day… perhaps stress. He’s definitely happiest outside when I’m outside with him. He seems eager to join Playa in the water! After he is fully covered by his shots (one more week), I’ll let him go in and see if Hank can swim!

03/05/2023

Intro to swimming!

01/05/2023

As expected, despite lots of love and anxiety meds, Hank was stressed when I was away. He chewed through my door casing and wall. Poor sweetheart. I’m so so glad to be back to him and re-settle him into a routine. The poor guy runs around the house at any noise. However, I’m his person and when I’m calm and sitting or laying on the couch, he’s right in there with his big head cuddling me. Such a teddy bear. He got his last set of shots on Thursday as well as a full lab panel to test to see why he is losing copious copious amounts of hair (beyond stress shedding). My other rescue went swimming today and I think Hank will take to swimming as well. He was eager but I’m keeping him extra safe until 2 weeks after his shots. (That’s my yellow shirt and he’s laying behind me on the couch)

27/04/2023

Back from Cuba. Lots of animal work. Hank is very glad to see us. It was hard for him to have us away. He’s walking fine and shoulder seems to be a non issue at the moment! Will update more in a few days after settling back in!

18/04/2023

I miss Hank but he gives a paws up and supports our work in Cuba spaying and neutering cats - in a hotel room - Cuba style. We are Also treating compromised dogs as well 🐶🐈

09/04/2023

Lots of improvement in his shoulder today! Woo hoo!

07/04/2023

Hank is walking somewhat better this morning so I am hopeful! He’s had anti-inflammatories as well as medication to keep him calm and still so he can rest his shoulder 🙂. He’s digging the whole humans bringing his food to his bed thing 😜💕. He could get used to this room / bedside service lol

07/04/2023

Hank update : Kent Vet is amazing. The vet thinks it’s strain or sprain in his shoulder (I can’t remember what she said over the phone now.). Either way, no X-ray today. He’s on anti-inflammatory and pain medication for a few days to see if he improves. He is exercise restricted so he’s in his pen downstairs with us. Hoping he improves. If no improvement, my good friends will bring him back for an X-ray while I’m in Cuba next week.

06/04/2023

Poor Hank. En route to vet.

06/04/2023

Well, Hankster is once again off to the vet as his ability to weight bear is decreasing and he is in discomfort. I leave for my Cuba street dog trip in a few days so need some answers. Poor buddy.

06/04/2023

Mr. Hankster hurt his front left carpal area(wrist) presumably while running or playing in the yard yesterday. I didn’t see it happen as I was trying to prune a large tree. He is still limping this morning. I’m going to try to apply some ice to the area and see how he does throughout the day. No running or playing for Hank today.

02/04/2023

Puppy leaps

02/04/2023

Hank leaps and bounds with lanky legs like he is a puppy!

31/03/2023

Apparently Dixie thinks she needs Hank’s big bed!

30/03/2023

Tag change. He’s ours 🙂. As he gets more comfortable, some of his stubbornness and behaviours are coming out. I’m glad he feels safe enough to express himself and I’m also glad that I’m a clinical counsellor with lots of experience in behaviour therapy so I can redirect some of the unwanted behaviour lol! He’s a very good boy. He wants to please and is responsive to correction. This page is called Hank’s journey but it’s also mine and my family’s journey as well now! 💕🐶With copious amounts of food, I’ve managed to put a few pounds on him. Due to his anxiety, our vet and I decided to put him on a medication for a month to help with the transition to our dog sitter who will be looking after the dogs in our home while we go to Cuba for 2 weeks to help the vets, and work alongside the animal protectors. Terrible timing to leave him but this trip was booked before Hank joined us. At least he will be in our home while away - some consistency.

24/03/2023

Hank is settling in. Very happy when we are sitting down. Still extremely anxious when we are up and moving around and making noise. He looks pretty content on the couch though!

19/03/2023

Sat March 18.

18/03/2023

Hank loves getting his teeth brushed!

15/03/2023

Oh yeah. 20 mins later Hank realized that it wasn’t scary and figured it out!

15/03/2023

Hank is no longer searching for a home as we have welcomed him to stay forever

15/03/2023

09/03/2023

Okay. I did force them to sit together but Playa stayed for 5 minutes.

08/03/2023

When you have three dog’s meals to prep in the morning. I’ll have to pick up one more big bowl for Mr. Hank

07/03/2023

Hank loves laying in the sun after a 15 min play