My friend Hank from last week is no longer a part of this earthly plane, I’m so sad to say. This week we want to honor his presence here on earth and how much his family loved him and miss him…I know Hank is frolicking in heaven and that makes me tail waggin’ happy! For the family he left behind we are so sad, but he lived a wonderful and full life. A life any dog could be proud of and any human who cared for their dog in this way can also be proud of! I wished all dogs could be treated and loved so well, WOOF! Aloha my friend until we meet again! His mom, Taylor, joins us below to share her sentiments and memories of one special dog by the name of Hank…

Hank the Patriotic Pup


I’m cute!

Contemplatin’ life…

He comes from champions on both sides — his father was an Anadane named Benevolent Beau. So Hank’s official name is Prince Henry Beau Whittell (I actually just found this out). We called him Hank however. He lived in the Bay Area with 5 family members — most of whom were taller than 6′0 feet so this may explain why he thought he was a “little guy.”

Just chillin’…

Sometimes it’s tough being so good

The girls just can’t get enough of me!

He thought himself to be a lap dog, always wanting to cuddle and be near people. He gave the best hugs by resting his head on our shoulders and leaning in towards our necks. His favorite places to be were sun-bathing by the pool during the day and stretched out by the fire during the evenings — if the fire place was not lit he would stand up on the ledge and look back at us like — “excuse me, why I are you just standing there when my fire is not burning…”

He went everywhere with us from volleyball tournaments, to the beach, slept under my mom’s desk at school (she is a 4th grade teacher), to Starbucks every Sunday — he was a local celebrity and loved by all the neighbors in Willow Glen. Children were able to climb all over him and one time when we couldn’t find one of the toddlers, Hank lifted up his head and the baby was fast asleep in between Hank’s legs with his big head gently covering him.

A dog’s life

He would sneak up onto the couch EVERY chance he could get — only habit we could not break. He also would sneak into our beds when we were showering in the morning — amazing how long he could sleep if we let him up on the bed!

En Vogue!

Dude bonding…

Me and my Mom Taylor

He ran like a gazelle, his prance was very proper whenever another dog or human was in sight, and his biggest weapon was his tail when he was excited to see you. Man that thing was a whip — guys more than girls had to be cautious. His bark was loud and proud but never mean or questionable.

He loved to play and tug of war was definitely his favorite game. He knew the words “coffee,” “car,” “dinner,” and “walk.” If you picked up the keys there was no doubt in his mind that he was going somewhere with you.

Ruh? Can’t you see I’m sleepin’?

The many faces of Hank, the Pawsome Great Dane!

Happy Hank

He was basically just a sweet sweet boy and is missed tremendously.
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From BNB:
Indeed, sorely missed! Godspeed Hank, and have fun flying through the grass on young legs once again and getting lots of hugs from everyone who is graced with your presence!

To Taylor and Hank’s entire family and neighborhood, we extend our deepest sympathy at his passing but the good news is, he is never far from your hearts, and is, like all animals, eternal.

For additional support check out this audio program set from Animal Talk Naturally:
Pet Aging & Loss, Vol 1

Have a pawsitively tail waggin’, Great Dane Hankful day, WOOF!

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