Featured Pet: Hank
Hank was dropped off in a crate at a vet clinic, therefore there’s not much known about his life before being found. This Shar Pei/Pitty mix was estimated to be around 8 years old and was brought to the municipal shelter in the area where the officers were able to have him examined and neutered by the vet. Since he was now a permanent resident of the shelter, Our Companions was planning on welcoming Hank into our Adopt-a-Shelter program where our Canine College Head Trainers help socialize and work on reward-based training with dogs at municipal shelters in Connecticut. However, the Sanctuary had just opened up space and Hank was a wonderful candidate. We welcomed Hank at our Sanctuary in April of 2024.
When he arrived, it wasn’t long until Hank started to show his playful, fun-loving, affectionate side with his new friends! He was very excited about all the interesting smells during his walks at the Sanctuary and the play yards where he could run around and smell even more! He loved sniffing everything and everywhere. Walks were his absolute favorite because they were like treasure hunts for new, exciting scents! Staff introduced him to enrichment puzzles and that quickly became his favorite game! You could see the gears turning in his brain as he worked out how to get to the yummy treats hidden inside. Given his keen sense of smell and love for sniffing, our Dog Team staff started to do scent work with Hank! They created fun, challenging games to seek out goodies and delicious rewards. And when he finally succeeded, his tail wagged with pride ready for the next game!
Stuffed toys are also an absolute favorite of Hank’s! He loves when he has an assortment to choose from, will sniff out a select few, and happily chew on the stuffie on the couch! He would roll over with glee with the stuffie in his mouth, and we loved watching him so happy and content! During the warmer months, and classic traits of his mixed breed, Hank did start to exhibit some allergies, which is easily managed with medication and care. Though now being with us into the colder months, he no longer seems to be having allergies and will most likely need medication only during allergy season.
To help Hank feel more comfortable with his care, he went through our Cooperative Care Foundations Class. This particular training class includes procedures and behaviors necessary for a dog’s health and well-being. This can include grooming, nail trims, administering eye and eardrops, and general health checks. The goal of this class is for your dog to learn to participate in their own care willingly and create a positive association with welfare. Hank graduated class with flying colors, and became much more comfortable with his care!
Hank loved showing off his smarts and continued to take our Family Companions 1 class as well, once again being a star student! He would love his future family to continue his training and give him the skills he needs to bond and thrive with his family! This awesome 8 year old pup would love an adult home or one with older children (12+). Hank requests a cat free environment and isn’t one for energetic playtimes with other dogs, but he may enjoy the company of another calm, older canine companion. His friends would describe Hank as sweet, goofy, and lovable- you must meet this handsome hunk! Learn more about Hank by contacting our Helpline at 860-242-9999 or email [email protected].
