Two things Hank does NOT like: Baths, and HAIL!

So, it's been snowing this evening, and we thought a nice family walk in the snow would be pretty and fun. So, we both got all bundled up, grabbed the "wonder walker" to work on Hank's walking, and opened the door. Well, the snow had turned to hail! Hank stood in the front door (usually he bolts out) and we finally pushed him out. He looked at us, and turned to come back. We walked out onto the driveway (if you've been here before, you know that this is not a large space we're talking about), and Hank just froze (still, not cold, but probably cold froze too). Anyway, before we even got out into the street and onto our walk, Hank had enough and we ended up coming back in and playing with his ball.

We're also working on sit and lay right now, so we had an enjoyable time working with the clicker using the ball as his "reward." The good news...he only snipped at my hand once! YAY!

Now it's back to snow, and he went out on the patio in it, he's so cute!

Hank and the Snow

Hank's really funny when it snows. Today we got home from work and it was snowing a little at our house. Nothing too major, but slushy. So, I took Hank out for our evening mail/potty routine. He was slipping and sliding around, it was really funny to watch. I always feel KIND of bad, but clearly not enough to not force him to go with me. If I'm going to suffer through the drizzly rain/snow/slush mix for him, he'll suffer too. So we slipped and slided down the street, he did his business, and now we're in where it's warm for the evening. But, we'll have to go out again before we go to bed, and probably for more of a walk, since he just got the quick jaunt. One of these days I think he's going to punch me in the face when I laugh at him, but until then, I'll just keep wiping up his runny nose (another new issue...)

Who's balls are those?

Well, it was a beautiful weekend here in Issaquah! On Friday we ended up not working and since it wasn't raining we took Hank over to Marymoor to run him around and get some fresh air. He had a GREAT time, ran all over the place, got soaking wet, and slept all day and night. Saturday was a lazy day, sleep, relax, watch football, mourn, etc.

Then today, Hank's dog trainer came for his last private lesson (they were free, we aren't that crazy). We worked on using a "wonder walker" which is a corrective walking thing that doesn't hurt Hank when we walk, but it corrects his walk when he tries to veer off from me. It's to help him heal next to me, and I think he'll be pretty good at it. Since it was an AMAZING day (it looked like August, blue skies & sunshine, amazing!) I took Hank up to Marymoor again for a reward. I couldn't believe how packed the parking lot was! We got a great spot up front, and off we went! Clearly, Hank knows his way around now, because by the time I caught up to him, he was at the SECOND opening to the river, not the first one, no, he kept going, he knew what he wanted. HE was IN the water when I found him, and since it was so nice, he (and all the other dogs) were dodging Kayakers out in the water! It was a zoo! Hank ran and jumped, and stole dogs balls (a favorite hobby at the dog park) and has been sleeping since we got home. It's actually supposed to be pretty nice this week, except for Monday, so hopefully it'll stick around to the weekend.

Hank gets to go to Day camp on Tuesday and Thursday this week given my work schedule, so that'll be nice. Hopefully he'll forgive us for ignoring him all the time while we're at work.

A+! My dog's a genius!

...when it comes to "potty time." So, Hank went to Day Camp today. He seems to like it and is always excited to see me when he comes out, but the staff all say they LOVE him. So, this morning when we checked in, they asked if I want a report card. He's been to day camp once and two over nights, but we haven't gotten the coveted report card yet. AND I WANTED IT! So, we got one today...

Play Time:
Fit, fun and full of energy (this is the top score)
comments: He loves play time with ALL his pals. Love to play with Kong's.

This is thanks to Rudy, dad's dog who taught Hank, Zen and the Art of Kong Maintenance.

Friend Time
Made lots of new Friends (again, to score)

comments: Hank made tons of friends, Angel, Jade, Hobson, Porter, Stout, ALL LABS :)

Porter & Stout are two names I wanted to name a black or chocolate lab. Hank's yellow, and Blond and Pale just seem like lame dog names...

Rest Time
Too Excited to rest (this is actually the lowest score)

comments: This sill boy was way to happy about being here to nap.

alright fine...that's what we're paying them for though!

Potty Time
A+! (took care of business)

comments: Hank's a pro. IT comes natural to him. The call of the wild ;)

The Whole Time
(hearts & "we love him!!" over the top of the top one)
Had a big day, big fun, big smiles

comments: he loves it here and could only benefit from more time here.

Nice sales pitch girls. Lucky for you, Jeremiah's in busy season, so if I have a long day, Hank will be all yours to play with. He'll be back Wednesday!

Hank sure seems to love it there, and he seemed sad and depressed when he got home. Boring mom was tired and just wanted to watch TV and snuggle. We're pretty sure he'll survive. And, the tomorrow he gets to lounge around the house for the day and get caught up on his beauty rest for Wednesday!

Hank's First Girlfriend

Hank and Rudy had a GREAT weekend together, this morning they were playing and running around the house. Hank was even following Rudy which hadn't happened up to this point. They were doing GREAT together! Until dad decided that it was time to head back to Eugene.

Hank and Rudy watched together as stuff was moved out of the house and into the car. Rudy LOVES to go on car rides, so she was pretty excited. But Hank knew something was up. We all said our goodbyes, and when Rudy got in the car, I SWEAR Hank was whimpering. It was so cute, but so sad that they had to say goodbye for now. Now that we know they get along and like each other, it'll make trips to my dad's and him here easier and cheaper!