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Been Found By A Rescue Dog
- Post starter City Slicker
- Start date
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Teasel
VIP Member
Brings me to tears reading about what's happeneing with you and Hank
Bless you both
Bless you both
- Post starter
- #147
City Slicker
Platinum Member
Hey Folks,
Hank swam!!
It happened almost so fast that I couldn't believe he was actually doing it.
Hank has been working hard on his confidence in his classes and only one other time did we have a bit of an issue when an off leash dog came over and was a bit pushy with Hank (the other dog put his head over Hank's back and the teacher said this was a dominance thing and not necessarily aggressive but that Hank was trying to figure out those subtle differences and that he had come such a long way - she was also teaching me the difference between dominance and aggression!!)
I took Hank to the lake for some relief from the heat. I knew he wasn't interested in the water so we generally avoid it except that I will walk him close to the lake so he can get his toes a bit wet but he usually only walks a few feet with his toes and then immediately moves away from the water.
It was quite hot out. It was lunch time and we were pretty much alone there. After a few minutes a couple came with a four month old puppy. The puppy was off leash. Normally Hank would avoid any interest in the dog except to be a bit aggressive if the dog was off leash. But this time, and maybe because he was a puppy, Hank looked interested in him.
The pup was keeping his distance but looking at Hank. I watched Hank watching the pup and after a couple of seconds, Hank wiggled his bum in his happy way and then pinned his ears back and tried to play bow. The couple yelled to me 'is it ok?' and pointed to their leash - I saw Hank and I was a bit puzzled but I could see Hank wanting to go and see the pup. I nodded and yelled, 'I am just gonna be a bit careful'.
It's a protected area - free from cars and free from lots of people.
As the pup came over to us, Hank had no aggression at all and was trying to engage. His body language was open and happy, and I could see he wanted to play. The pup came right to Hank's feet and then fell on his back with his legs and paws in the air wiggling around on his back and 'laughing' - well, making those 'puppy' grunty noises. It was adorable. Hank bowed and then poked the pup. The pup got up and jumped on Hank and Hank pushed him with his muzzle and then fell on his back and did the same thing the pup did!
So I dropped the leash.
The result was pure dog ballet. The ran, they raced, they grinned, the fell on the ground, the pup chewed on Hank's ear, and Hank swatted him and then fell on his back and rolled while the pup jumped on his chest.
And then the pup ran into the water.
Hank stopped dead in his tracks. He looked at the pup, and he looked at me.
I rolled up my pant legs and in I went without saying anything to Hank. But I was making a fuss for the pup who was now running through the water blissfully and deeking me.
Hank waited for a few seconds and then in he came. It's not deep but it was already over my pants and I was getting soaked but I didn't care. Here was my boy, my courageous boy, I could see him 'deciding' it was going to be ok and he could do this. And he did.
A few minutes later the pup and his people were ready to go. Hank didn't make a move to get out of the water and so neither did I. After the up left, Hank stayed in the water looking around, smelling, crouching down and swimming a little bit. I just stood there in the water not moving and trying to take it all in - realizing how major this was for Hank and how major it was for me. It was as though I didn't want to move in that moment and I think I wanted to stay like that forever, right there, in that moment.
I don't think I have ever had a moment as perfect as standing there in the quiet, the land around me, the water, the faraway sound of traffic, no people, the smell of sweetgrass and sun and the smell of ....wet dog!!
Here is my boy on his first swim.
Hank swam!!
It happened almost so fast that I couldn't believe he was actually doing it.
Hank has been working hard on his confidence in his classes and only one other time did we have a bit of an issue when an off leash dog came over and was a bit pushy with Hank (the other dog put his head over Hank's back and the teacher said this was a dominance thing and not necessarily aggressive but that Hank was trying to figure out those subtle differences and that he had come such a long way - she was also teaching me the difference between dominance and aggression!!)
I took Hank to the lake for some relief from the heat. I knew he wasn't interested in the water so we generally avoid it except that I will walk him close to the lake so he can get his toes a bit wet but he usually only walks a few feet with his toes and then immediately moves away from the water.
It was quite hot out. It was lunch time and we were pretty much alone there. After a few minutes a couple came with a four month old puppy. The puppy was off leash. Normally Hank would avoid any interest in the dog except to be a bit aggressive if the dog was off leash. But this time, and maybe because he was a puppy, Hank looked interested in him.
The pup was keeping his distance but looking at Hank. I watched Hank watching the pup and after a couple of seconds, Hank wiggled his bum in his happy way and then pinned his ears back and tried to play bow. The couple yelled to me 'is it ok?' and pointed to their leash - I saw Hank and I was a bit puzzled but I could see Hank wanting to go and see the pup. I nodded and yelled, 'I am just gonna be a bit careful'.
It's a protected area - free from cars and free from lots of people.
As the pup came over to us, Hank had no aggression at all and was trying to engage. His body language was open and happy, and I could see he wanted to play. The pup came right to Hank's feet and then fell on his back with his legs and paws in the air wiggling around on his back and 'laughing' - well, making those 'puppy' grunty noises. It was adorable. Hank bowed and then poked the pup. The pup got up and jumped on Hank and Hank pushed him with his muzzle and then fell on his back and did the same thing the pup did!
So I dropped the leash.
The result was pure dog ballet. The ran, they raced, they grinned, the fell on the ground, the pup chewed on Hank's ear, and Hank swatted him and then fell on his back and rolled while the pup jumped on his chest.
And then the pup ran into the water.
Hank stopped dead in his tracks. He looked at the pup, and he looked at me.
I rolled up my pant legs and in I went without saying anything to Hank. But I was making a fuss for the pup who was now running through the water blissfully and deeking me.
Hank waited for a few seconds and then in he came. It's not deep but it was already over my pants and I was getting soaked but I didn't care. Here was my boy, my courageous boy, I could see him 'deciding' it was going to be ok and he could do this. And he did.
A few minutes later the pup and his people were ready to go. Hank didn't make a move to get out of the water and so neither did I. After the up left, Hank stayed in the water looking around, smelling, crouching down and swimming a little bit. I just stood there in the water not moving and trying to take it all in - realizing how major this was for Hank and how major it was for me. It was as though I didn't want to move in that moment and I think I wanted to stay like that forever, right there, in that moment.
I don't think I have ever had a moment as perfect as standing there in the quiet, the land around me, the water, the faraway sound of traffic, no people, the smell of sweetgrass and sun and the smell of ....wet dog!!
Here is my boy on his first swim.
Attachments
D
Deleted member 12723
Thank you so much for the post about the recent update and victory swim with bonus picture added. Hank looks so content and I imagine that you are feeling pretty good yourself. I needed this one today so bless you for the update.
ladee
VIP Member
Is Hank just making my heart sing with JOY!!
Give him lots and lots of hugs tons to you too !!! How awesome what Hank has brought to your life. I know never in your wildest dreams could you know, standing in the water, watching Hank, all that was around you, was the perfect moment in time. Thank you for sharing the news about this brave boy !!! And thanks for the picture !!!That you shared this moment makes me feel so special.... love ya both !!!!
Give him lots and lots of hugs tons to you too !!! How awesome what Hank has brought to your life. I know never in your wildest dreams could you know, standing in the water, watching Hank, all that was around you, was the perfect moment in time. Thank you for sharing the news about this brave boy !!! And thanks for the picture !!!That you shared this moment makes me feel so special.... love ya both !!!!
He looks soooo cool in the water! Thank you for sharing it! :happy::happy::happy: ...his progress is just amazing! And I'm so glad about him and the puppy. :D
My first thought was that Hank is a "seal" (if you translate the German word for seal which is "Seehund" by word into English, it's "sea dog"...:roflmao:). :cool: My dog had the attitude of a capibara and jumped into every water available. :rolleyes: .
My first thought was that Hank is a "seal" (if you translate the German word for seal which is "Seehund" by word into English, it's "sea dog"...:roflmao:). :cool: My dog had the attitude of a capibara and jumped into every water available. :rolleyes: .
D
Deleted member 29920
Handsome Hank :inlove:
- Post starter
- #152
City Slicker
Platinum Member
Thank you so much for your such kind words @Anrish @ladee @gizmo @Cj77. I am honoured and delighted to be sharing our journey with you. I apologize for the delay in writing back - I think I have just gotten my internet sorted out now.
It's been really hot here and I will be taking Hank again swimming soon. He's been quite content to lounge around in the house and I know it's hot for him when he doesn't even want to go and lay with his head against the brick in the driveway.
We finished his classes and now he's a 'good canine citizen'. lol. I will have more journeys soon!
Thank you all again so much for letting me share Hank with you.
It's been really hot here and I will be taking Hank again swimming soon. He's been quite content to lounge around in the house and I know it's hot for him when he doesn't even want to go and lay with his head against the brick in the driveway.
We finished his classes and now he's a 'good canine citizen'. lol. I will have more journeys soon!
Thank you all again so much for letting me share Hank with you.
D
Deleted member 12723
I just soak up the vicarious experience that you share and it has helped me so much to be king to myself and to be patient with me as well. I personally think you have a book in the adventures of Hank and you. Thanks for the update. I just so look forward to this thread so much. You have so much love in your heart and that love is healing the both of you, I can see this.
ladee
VIP Member
Was hoping we would hear from you and Hank !!! There is so much love, patience and healing in your and Hank's relationship... it is so great to know you and he are doing so well !!
And congratulations Hank for being a Good Canine Citizen !!! Such a sweet boy!
Will be looking forward to hearing from you both more often... Stay cool... and hugs to both of you !!
And congratulations Hank for being a Good Canine Citizen !!! Such a sweet boy!
Will be looking forward to hearing from you both more often... Stay cool... and hugs to both of you !!
Last edited by a moderator:
- Post starter
- #155
City Slicker
Platinum Member
Hey Folks,
Thank you for letting me share my Travels with Hank.
Thursday, Hank rode in a 'canoe' for the first time. For a few summers I worked at a camp where we taught campers to canoe and kayak. I really liked it and I became a good swimmer and then a lifeguard by working there.
A few years ago, a boat rental place opened a ways from my house and after Hank had been doing so well with his swimming and it's been so hot in the city, I booked couple of mid-week days off to avoid the weekend rush and decided to drive out to check out the rentals. The main reason I went was because they advertised they had life vests for dogs. I thought that was so fabulous that they would have them so I knew we were going to have to go check it out.
The area was beautiful, treed and cool, water was out for dogs. It was gorgeous.
Hank jumped out of the car and immediately the owners' dog came running up to us. I dropped Hank's leash to give him some room. We were in an isolated area and no way any dog could run out on the street so I felt a bit calmer about letting Hank work this out. They sniffed a bit, touched noses, and the other dog play bowed at Hank and that was it. The other dog ran into the water followed by a grinning Hank where they played for a few minutes.
I went and brought Hank back with me and went in to rent the canoe. I got talking with the owner and told him Hank's story and he told me his dog, Bam's story. Bam was a rescue as well and with a very similar story as Hank's.
The owner had biscuits for Hank and Hank sat very politely while he got his. Then the owner came around us to fit Hank for his vest. I couldn't believe how well Hank did. He will let me touch his paws but he's still a bit protective of them. This guy got down on his butt on the floor in front of Hank and asked him for a paw. Hank gingerly gave him his paw but then tried to take it back quickly. This went on for about 5 minutes with the owner asking for Hank's paw and then Hank taking it back and the owner giving him a bit of a biscuit each time.
Finally the owner asked Hank for his paw and as Hank did, he slipped the head part of the vest over Hank's head and then snapped it up as fast as anything. I do believe I fell in love with that man. Hank didn't have time to get nervous or pee or withdraw. In fact we made so much fuss over Hank that we could see him kind of 'pump' himself up - he has this way of standing and moving when he is feeling good and confident. He was like this with his new vest and I knew what the owner was doing in taking his time with Hank before trying to fit him.
Ok so the canoe part. Well, this is where I really wish I had pictures. I couldn't for the life of me get Hank into the canoe. I tried it several ways and Hank was having none of it. The closest I got him was him putting his front feet onto the gunnel of the canoe, but he felt the uneven surface on the sides and that was it, he wasn't getting in. He stood with his head down in the water while I stood in the canoe trying to figure out what we were going to do.
I stood pondering for a few minutes when the owner came out and offered a slightly larger row boat - this was one that had no raised sides and one Hank could get into from the dock. I fell more in love with this man...
He went and pulled the boat out and rowed it to the side of the dock so that Hank and I could get in together and then he would get out. Hank got in like he had been doing it all his life. The way we were situated, all Hank had to do was jump down a bit from the dock into the boat - the other way he had to jump up and in and he didn't like any of it.
But Hank jumped right in and I jumped in and banged and bruised my shin because I was so thrilled Hank was in and I was trying to get in fast enough so that Hank didn't change his mind.
The owner jumped out and gave us a little push and off we went.
Hank stood the entire way around the lake and he was engaged with everything the entire time. There wasn't a time when I got the feeling he was looking for a way to get out. He looked content, like somewhere deep inside he knew this was what he was supposed to be doing. No fear, no anxiety. The only thing missing was me casting a line off the side of the boat to feed Hank fresh fish. Hank looked like this was the most natural thing ever. This was the first time I had a pang of feeling badly that I am raising Hank in a city - away from the peace of where we were, the access to this kind of lifestyle that Hank seemed to relax into completely.
We toured around for about an hour, until my arms were sore and I had to pee.
Going back to the dock, the owner was waving to us from shore and he moved over to the dock to help if Hank needed assistance getting out of the boat. He did. Hank's back end was a bit stiff and the angle getting out of the boat was quite steep. I stood at Hank's back end and the owner reached gently around Hank's collar and said, 'one, two, three, out' and I pushed while he pulled.
Driving back to the city Hank slept like a puppy. I can't tell you how peaceful it all felt with him sleeping like that, knowing the kind of experience he had just had and that I was a part of being able to bring it to him.
When I was growing up, this was something that other kids did, not my family. I remember overhearing my sister telling her friends toward the end of the school year that we were all going away to our cottage where we would do all this great stuff and eat all this food...None of it was true of course, we would spend all summer just trying to stay alive.
And now here I am driving home on a crazy congested highway, having these thoughts about the past, about how I just took my 'family' to my version of that 'dream' vacation my sister and I used to dream about. That sometimes, sometimes, there is still time to raise your own self the way you would have wanted someone to way back then.
All through the love of a dog. A magnificent soul who trusts me and makes me feel worthy of that trust. I had no idea I had a 'better self' until I met this creature.
Thank you all for reading.
Thank you for letting me share my Travels with Hank.
Thursday, Hank rode in a 'canoe' for the first time. For a few summers I worked at a camp where we taught campers to canoe and kayak. I really liked it and I became a good swimmer and then a lifeguard by working there.
A few years ago, a boat rental place opened a ways from my house and after Hank had been doing so well with his swimming and it's been so hot in the city, I booked couple of mid-week days off to avoid the weekend rush and decided to drive out to check out the rentals. The main reason I went was because they advertised they had life vests for dogs. I thought that was so fabulous that they would have them so I knew we were going to have to go check it out.
The area was beautiful, treed and cool, water was out for dogs. It was gorgeous.
Hank jumped out of the car and immediately the owners' dog came running up to us. I dropped Hank's leash to give him some room. We were in an isolated area and no way any dog could run out on the street so I felt a bit calmer about letting Hank work this out. They sniffed a bit, touched noses, and the other dog play bowed at Hank and that was it. The other dog ran into the water followed by a grinning Hank where they played for a few minutes.
I went and brought Hank back with me and went in to rent the canoe. I got talking with the owner and told him Hank's story and he told me his dog, Bam's story. Bam was a rescue as well and with a very similar story as Hank's.
The owner had biscuits for Hank and Hank sat very politely while he got his. Then the owner came around us to fit Hank for his vest. I couldn't believe how well Hank did. He will let me touch his paws but he's still a bit protective of them. This guy got down on his butt on the floor in front of Hank and asked him for a paw. Hank gingerly gave him his paw but then tried to take it back quickly. This went on for about 5 minutes with the owner asking for Hank's paw and then Hank taking it back and the owner giving him a bit of a biscuit each time.
Finally the owner asked Hank for his paw and as Hank did, he slipped the head part of the vest over Hank's head and then snapped it up as fast as anything. I do believe I fell in love with that man. Hank didn't have time to get nervous or pee or withdraw. In fact we made so much fuss over Hank that we could see him kind of 'pump' himself up - he has this way of standing and moving when he is feeling good and confident. He was like this with his new vest and I knew what the owner was doing in taking his time with Hank before trying to fit him.
Ok so the canoe part. Well, this is where I really wish I had pictures. I couldn't for the life of me get Hank into the canoe. I tried it several ways and Hank was having none of it. The closest I got him was him putting his front feet onto the gunnel of the canoe, but he felt the uneven surface on the sides and that was it, he wasn't getting in. He stood with his head down in the water while I stood in the canoe trying to figure out what we were going to do.
I stood pondering for a few minutes when the owner came out and offered a slightly larger row boat - this was one that had no raised sides and one Hank could get into from the dock. I fell more in love with this man...
He went and pulled the boat out and rowed it to the side of the dock so that Hank and I could get in together and then he would get out. Hank got in like he had been doing it all his life. The way we were situated, all Hank had to do was jump down a bit from the dock into the boat - the other way he had to jump up and in and he didn't like any of it.
But Hank jumped right in and I jumped in and banged and bruised my shin because I was so thrilled Hank was in and I was trying to get in fast enough so that Hank didn't change his mind.
The owner jumped out and gave us a little push and off we went.
Hank stood the entire way around the lake and he was engaged with everything the entire time. There wasn't a time when I got the feeling he was looking for a way to get out. He looked content, like somewhere deep inside he knew this was what he was supposed to be doing. No fear, no anxiety. The only thing missing was me casting a line off the side of the boat to feed Hank fresh fish. Hank looked like this was the most natural thing ever. This was the first time I had a pang of feeling badly that I am raising Hank in a city - away from the peace of where we were, the access to this kind of lifestyle that Hank seemed to relax into completely.
We toured around for about an hour, until my arms were sore and I had to pee.
Going back to the dock, the owner was waving to us from shore and he moved over to the dock to help if Hank needed assistance getting out of the boat. He did. Hank's back end was a bit stiff and the angle getting out of the boat was quite steep. I stood at Hank's back end and the owner reached gently around Hank's collar and said, 'one, two, three, out' and I pushed while he pulled.
Driving back to the city Hank slept like a puppy. I can't tell you how peaceful it all felt with him sleeping like that, knowing the kind of experience he had just had and that I was a part of being able to bring it to him.
When I was growing up, this was something that other kids did, not my family. I remember overhearing my sister telling her friends toward the end of the school year that we were all going away to our cottage where we would do all this great stuff and eat all this food...None of it was true of course, we would spend all summer just trying to stay alive.
And now here I am driving home on a crazy congested highway, having these thoughts about the past, about how I just took my 'family' to my version of that 'dream' vacation my sister and I used to dream about. That sometimes, sometimes, there is still time to raise your own self the way you would have wanted someone to way back then.
All through the love of a dog. A magnificent soul who trusts me and makes me feel worthy of that trust. I had no idea I had a 'better self' until I met this creature.
Thank you all for reading.
Last edited:
Ellabella44
Diamond Member
wow sounds like an amazing mini vacation. Great that the owner was able to understand Hank's special needs! Sounds like he is very happy you didnt give up on him in the shelter. He is thriving!!! and It sounds like his adventures help complete you as well. I wish I could hug him! It is great to read about his trust in you when you take him to do new things. You are eachother's family and I am happy for you both that you were able to share this thing you always wanted to do together.
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