Angel - Mikki

In 1987, I decided I needed a large, purebred dog. Not being familiar with dogs, I decided to stick with something I knew and therefore decided it would be a German Shepherd. I called a woman whom I was told bred Shepherds and found that she was now breeding some type of dog called an Akita. What? I rushed to get my book of dog breeds and found the akita. Well, it was an odd looking dog, but could possibly be the right size. I decided to go have a look see.

I arrived at Sherob Akitas with some trepidation since I am actually afraid of dogs. How many would she have? Would they be obnoxious or possibly even loose? My fears were unfounded. She had an ex-pen full of adorable puppies and several very, large dogs in the backyard. The adults being confined which of course met with my approval.

However, I got to meet one of the adults and was awestruck by such a magnificent dog! I loved these dogs and instantly decided I had to have one. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I had just chosen one of the most difficult breed of dog. I was soon to learn all about an akita.

Apparently, Sherry set aside her concern over the fact that I had never really owned a dog and that I admitted to being afraid of them and let me have Hank. I brought him home at 8 weeks and felt confident I could master my fear of dogs. What I didn't expect was that I would fall in love with this puppy, keep him for 11 1/2 years, and develop a keen interest in the breed and dog welfare.

Hank was socialized at the vet due to my inexperience with raising a puppy. One kind vet finally spoke up and told me to quit treating this dog like a human and start treating him like a dog! That saved Hank's hide, literally. I didn't realize you weren't suppose to bath a puppy every week! Obviously Hank and I survived my early feau paux's.

We spent almost the first two years of his life in obedience class as I was determined not to be afraid of this dog! I had very little cause for concern. Hank was exceptionally well adjusted (despite his stupid owner) and loved people. Although stubborn like an akita, he relented and cooperated with me on at least the basics of obedience. Not typically akita, he liked other animals. He would puff up on occasion with larger, male dogs, but for the most part, he liked other animals and grew up with several different cats. You can see Hank with a 6 week old kitten named Othello here. Since Hank did not possess the over developed prey drive or stubbornness that most akitas possess, I was unprepared for when Mikki joined my family, but, THAT is another story.

Hank moved with me when I divorced and got me through a very difficult period. Several in fact. He was family and spent time with me and my nieces and nephews and my friends. He was a joy to have around and I must add, that I did a fine job of raising him! Actually, he did a fine job of interpreting what I wanted despite my inability to communicate with him. I could always trust Hank around children and never worried that he would hurt anyone. He was most assuredly a gentle giant. He was not very protective nor did he know a stranger, but Sherry assured me that should someone wish to hurt me, Hank would take care of the problem. This proved true the TWO times I needed protecting in the entire 11 1/2 years we spent together.

Hank also went with me every time I moved. I can usually judge the time period of photos based on my hairdo or which house we were in. He adjusted well to new surroundings and never showed any fear of places unknown. He spent quite a bit of time on the road with me as well because I took him with me just about everywhere I went. I caught him hanging out of the driver's side window in my truck once trying to "Get to know" the pooch in the car next door at a local convenience store. What a picture that sight would have made! This picture of me and Hank sitting together is one of my favorite pictures. Note, not all my pictures are digital yet.

It was a sad thing to watch as Hank grew older. He moved much slower, grayed up quite noticeably in the muzzle and didn't even take an interest much in strangers walking down the street. However, he still liked teasing the other dogs. I guess he was confident that if he couldn't "take 'em out" I would! I had to put Hank to sleep when he was 11 1/2 years old. I went out of town one weekend and my dog sitter informed me that he could tell Hank was in pain. I was upset and rushed right home. That night, I saw for myself the agony that he was experiencing. He kept wondering through the house not being able to get comfortable and at one point just stood and moaned. It broke my heart to have to take him to the vet, but I did. I knew that I had to do right by Hank and stay with him until the end. Our good friend John went with us and Hank was with his favorite two people when he crossed the rainbow bridge.

Hank is pain free now and I'm confident he is watching me struggle with the two akitas I now have. I'm sure he got a real big kick out of my trials with Mikki. She irritated him when she arrived, but he tolerated her and cared for her in his typical Hank fashion.

I miss him, but I understand that our beloved pets aren't on this earth as long as we are so I just enjoy them while they are here. The pain of his loss does not outweigh the joy of his life and I remember him fondly. Hank was cremated and is literally, still with me resting in a place of honor in my house.

I thank Sherry of Sherob Akitas for giving me one of the most loving, confident, healthy, and wonderful akitas around. Godspeed Hanksters Puppy, we miss you and love you.