NOTE FROM HANK: I know I look a bit hefty in my pictures, but remember, the camera adds at least 20 lbs. Hank was then moved to our isolation/get to know you cage to become familiar with the goings on of the farm and to get to know the people.

After Hank met with the press at the airport, his personnel chaffer, Denise S., drove him out to the farm. He arrived at 2 am, with only two requests, a large bush and a fluffy bed. We were able to accommodate both and by 2:30 he was off in slumber land. The next morning after a long walk it was breakfast time...

Hank has spent a lot of time in the office supervising the staff, although all he wanted them to do is throw the ball for him! Then Friday came and thanks to Byron, off to Camp Charlie he went. Hank is definitely a water dog, he swam and swam and swam and swam, then Byron got prepared to go for a swim himself because Hank kept going! Luckily he decided to come back on his own saving Byron from donning his skivvies.

Hank's next big excitement came when he was introduced into AARFF. He met all his new roommates, learned how to go through the doggie door and discovered all the balls. He fit right in and is happy to have all the area to romp in. Next was our fall tour where Hank met over 100 people, he was petted, played with and fed treats galore (much to his trainers chagrin). Hank has settled in nicely and has met some families interested in giving him a forever home, so check back and hopefully we will have some good news soon!

View the awesome welcome home video here!
 

You read about the "village" that saved Hank's life (read about where this whole story started here). Well, meet all the people who made it happen!

In the middle of the night, Amber, far left above, flew in from New Orleans with Hank - and what we heard was one bumpy ride. (What must Hank have been thinking in cargo hold below? Was it the Hurricane coming, yet again?) The captain of the Continental flight even announced to all the passengers that Hank was on-board and if anyone were interested in adopting him, to please press the call button. According to Amber, "all you heard were "ding", "ding", "dings" and the buttons lighting up across the cabin!".

When Hank and Amber landed, she was greeted by the rest of the "village" who she served with as a PasadoRescuer in the aftermath of Katrina, and who came to help yet another life. Above from left, Bill D., Denise S., and Karin D. "We didn't mind missing sleep for this happy ending, that's for sure," said Karin.
 

First things first - Hank gets a squeaky toy!
Says Amber, "The first thing Hank did was got out of his carrier, flopped over, and showed us his big belly!" And his reward for the long trip home was a brand-new toy!

Hank enjoyed a cup of water from Starbucks, and dove into his toy bag (generously provided by Robin at A.R.N.O.) and Hank was a happy camper.

Thanks to all who made this happen. Visit Hank's page here on this website next week and you'll get to see all the new potential adoptive moms and dads Hank gets to meet at Pasado's Fall Tour. We have applications coming out of our dog ears for this boy!

Below, Hank showin' us that big tummy! It's Jenny Craig for him!

About Hank...

Hank swam for his life as Hurricane Katrina swept away his house. The gentle Golden
Retriever survived, but that’s when his tragedy began.

Hank made it out alive with his owner, who had to move over and over again – a total of
ten times, until she finally re-located to a New Orleans apartment. And that’s when she
faced reality: she could no longer care for the 7-year-old purebred Golden Retriever. It
was enough to take care of herself.

The great folks at A.R.N.O. have cared for Hank for a year now. He started overweight (like a thousand pounds!) and was diagnosed with both heartworm and thyroid issues. Meantime, Denise, another PasadoRescuer (who had recently visited Hank and fell in love with him) put out the word that Hank needed a home. Denise spoke to Amber, Amber was headed to New Orleans, and well, you get the picture.

Who saved Hank...
Besides Amber, this "village" also included a few other PasadoRescuers who were headed to New Orleans this week to join Amber. Above, Rita, Pasado's Safe Haven's Animal Care and Disaster Relief Animal Aid Supervisor, with Amity and Hank!

Above, Hank plays with one of the grandkids. Hank was...and is a great dog. It's just that he's been shuffled between so many homes, and allowed to eat himself into obesity. This guy deserves stability. Whether he gets adopted at Pasado's, he'll have a forever home with us.

Jet-setting home
Hank will soon be at Pasado's where he will roam 28 acres at A.A.R.F.F. - The American Association of Retired Felines and Fidos at Pasado's Safe Haven! On Fridays, he'll get to go for a "ride in the car" with all of our volunteers and other A.A.R.F.F. dogs where they spend a day at a river to swim until they're pooped out.