Hank

Hank is Colter's dog, but he's wormed his way into all of our hearts.  We all love the dang dog.  And I say 'dang' because it wasn't supposed to happen this way.  He was going to be an outside dog and wasn't going to be getting any special treatment.  But, turns out, he pretty much lives inside the house and gets mega doses of special treatment.  I can't believe we allow him to live in the house.  He sleeps in Colter's bedroom, sometimes even on the bed with him.  Oh Good Lord.  I'm pretty sure Wayne and I are just getting soft in our old age. 

Shasta hates dogs.  Or more accurately, all animals of any kind.  She has vowed her children will not have pets.  And we laugh at her.  We laugh now more than before because now that James is a little older, he is totally in love with Hank.  And Hank loves James, too.   He and Hank are buddies.

Hank was a very sick puppy for several weeks.  We nearly lost him.  Everyone in the family was concerned about him and inquired of his health.  He's on meds now and has amazingly bounced back and is doing great.  He's back to his old self again.  While he was sick he was too weak to do anything other than to sleep in his favorite place in front of the fireplace where it was all cozy warm.  Sometimes the kids would place a blanket over him and make a cozy space for him with pillows.  I love these next few pictures - James was sitting next to Hank, all concerned and patting him, as Hank lay there resting.  Loved seeing the compassion that this rough and tough little boy showed for his favorite pup...

Whenever Ana called she would make a point of asking about Hank as well, and told us that she helped Oliver pray for Hank.  And then one day Colter and Hank got these sweet drawings in the mail, from both Oliver and Gus.  Too sweet!  Love the concern and compassion all these little people are learning.

It truly was touching to see how everyone in the family rallied around Colter

and orayed for Hank and kept their fingers crosssed that he'd get better...