Hank earned his wings and became an angel March 1, 2017
Hank December 13, 2009 to March 1, 2017
It is with extreme sorrow that we announce to the world the passing of yet another of Bella's puppies, Hank, baby blue ribbon on March 1, 2017.
Hank came into the world with his sister Whiskey (red ribbon) simultaneously - her one second before him - kind of like a piggy back. He left the Sickles homestead on February 13, 2010 at the same time his sister Lil Bella and brother, Richard Parker left the ol' homestead. He was adopted by Erin and Kyle and his fur brother Tobie. Later Lucy, an American Staffordshire Terrier would come along to be fostered and Erin just wouldn't allow her to leave - so she was adopted too. Kyle was in the Navy and stationed in Norfolk so Hank and his family spent lots of time visiting with the Sickles family. Erin worked at a local school system so she was nearby. In 2014 the family relocated to NY at which time Erin and Kyle had a human baby in late 2015.
Hank and his brother Tobie could play and play! Hank loved the kiddie pool set up at the Sickles home. He could put his nose into the water to retrieve his toy, hold his breath, and exhale air like a human and blow bubbles out his nose. Lucy, Hank's little fur sister, was at his side nearly 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The two slept side by side at night.
Hank came to visit with Erin and Kyle and the rest of family for holidays and cookouts. Brenda and Erin became good friends. So the Sickles pack would go to Hank's home to visit too. Hank also stayed with the Sickles family when Erin and Kyle had to go out of town. His first stay was only a few weeks after he was adopted. His last stay was just before they moved in 2014.
Approximately the first week of February 2017 Hank suddenly had some neurological deficits. His feet were curling under and he was unable to correct it. He was swaying from side to side. Testing cleared tick illnesses but antibiotics and Rimadyl were prescribed. They had somewhat of a positive effect but not a curative effect. So instead, Prednisone was substituted for Rimadyl. He was quickly back on his feet and leaping around. However, it was short lived - approximately two weeks as the dosage tapered down, he regressed. Even with the return of the dosage, his body did not respond. Hank now had other symptoms - respiratory distress along with his hind leg weakness and incontinence. He was clearly in distress and uncomfortable. So his family helped him earn his wings the morning of March 1, 2017.
Hank came into the world with his sister Whiskey (red ribbon) simultaneously - her one second before him - kind of like a piggy back. He left the Sickles homestead on February 13, 2010 at the same time his sister Lil Bella and brother, Richard Parker left the ol' homestead. He was adopted by Erin and Kyle and his fur brother Tobie. Later Lucy, an American Staffordshire Terrier would come along to be fostered and Erin just wouldn't allow her to leave - so she was adopted too. Kyle was in the Navy and stationed in Norfolk so Hank and his family spent lots of time visiting with the Sickles family. Erin worked at a local school system so she was nearby. In 2014 the family relocated to NY at which time Erin and Kyle had a human baby in late 2015.
Hank and his brother Tobie could play and play! Hank loved the kiddie pool set up at the Sickles home. He could put his nose into the water to retrieve his toy, hold his breath, and exhale air like a human and blow bubbles out his nose. Lucy, Hank's little fur sister, was at his side nearly 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The two slept side by side at night.
Hank came to visit with Erin and Kyle and the rest of family for holidays and cookouts. Brenda and Erin became good friends. So the Sickles pack would go to Hank's home to visit too. Hank also stayed with the Sickles family when Erin and Kyle had to go out of town. His first stay was only a few weeks after he was adopted. His last stay was just before they moved in 2014.
Approximately the first week of February 2017 Hank suddenly had some neurological deficits. His feet were curling under and he was unable to correct it. He was swaying from side to side. Testing cleared tick illnesses but antibiotics and Rimadyl were prescribed. They had somewhat of a positive effect but not a curative effect. So instead, Prednisone was substituted for Rimadyl. He was quickly back on his feet and leaping around. However, it was short lived - approximately two weeks as the dosage tapered down, he regressed. Even with the return of the dosage, his body did not respond. Hank now had other symptoms - respiratory distress along with his hind leg weakness and incontinence. He was clearly in distress and uncomfortable. So his family helped him earn his wings the morning of March 1, 2017.
#4 Baby Blue - "Hank"
Erin and Kyle of Norfolk, VA with Hank at 9 weeks old.
Hanks many visits with with the Sickles Pack 2011-2014
Posing for Pictures
Misc 2011
July 4, 2010
Hank and his chocolate lab brother, Tobie came to see Bella, Gunther and the family on the 4th of July. Hank and Tobie loved the doggie pools. They can actually put their faces under the water to fetch the water balls and blow air (bubbles) out their nose. It was hot but they had a great time. They all passed out and slept well that night. Bella never heard the fireworks. Gunther was not happy to see Hank and Tobie leave. He didn't eat all his dinner and went to be bummed out.