Hank: The Norm Peterson of Belleair Beach, Florida

Today is Hank's birthday.  He is 12, which the Spousal Unit ™ would want me to remind you is 84 in dog years.

Hank, bellying up to his bar at Los Caracoles in Belleair Beach, FL

He also might want to remind Hank of same. One of the Spousal Unit's™ nicknames for Hank is the Perpetual Puppy.  Hank has been prancing down the streets from the day we brought him home.  He shows no interest in slowing down and that makes me very happy.

 In the past, I've written about the value of connecting with people: old friends, always friends, new friends, acquaintances.  Dogs have a magical, almost mystical way of expediting such connections.  It warms the cockles of my heart to see how our Hank, twenty some pounds prancing on his leash, causes strangers to stop, extend their hand and greet him.  What's his name?  the stranger will ask.  Hank, we reply, and the 'strangeness' begins to dissipate.  Hi, Hank, you're a good boy, aren't you? the now less than stranger says to him as Hank holds up his snout for a pet or his beagle ears for a tousle.  Do you live down here?  No?  Where are you staying?  Where are you from?  (and lately, Oh, you made the national news with that snow!)

 We've been here 6 weeks.  Everyone--and I do mean everyone--in the complex knows Hank's name.  When I'm walking him, I have to introduce myself while he is greeted by name.  Our next door neighbors have offered to dog sit him, should the occasion arise.  

 A couple weeks ago, there was a road race down Gulf Boulevard and the Spousal Unit™ was taking Hank on his morning constitutional walk.  As one of the runners passed them, she hollered out, "Hi, Hank!"  The Spousal Unit™ said he didn't recognize her, and she didn't greet him.

 See?  For Hank, Belleair Beach is his Cheers and he is Norm Peterson.  And this is the Norm Peterson classic that Hank would embrace: 
Image result for norm peterson quotes

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