Hank, Tia, Ari and Jasper joined their Coastal K9 family just a few weeks ago, a pack of four gorgeous German Shepherds, disguised by their matted and dull fur, their emaciated and atrophied bodies. Even in the unfamiliar place, having lived his life of neglect before, having had his pack survive the shelter and walk out alive, everyone could tell that Hank was the leader of his pack. Everyone felt better just having him around, the leader who could look at each and every one of them and let them know that they were now okay with his eyes alone.

When we looked at Hank, we saw a gorgeous boy who showed all of his emotions with his eyes, not only to his pack but to everyone he looked at. His slumped shoulders made it look like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. His constantly bowed head with eyes that looked up at you rather than lifting his chin, showed a boy who was not sure of what would happen if he lifted his head, whether he would be rejected or wrapped in someone's arms.

Hanks' atrophied legs showed that he had not gotten the exercise he needed. His ribs showed that he had not gotten the food that his body needed. His matted, dull and dusty fur showed the care he had not received.

Over the weeks, Hank has been seeing volunteers every day. He still slumps, but he now knows that when he sees his new friends and raises his head up to them, his eyes will be greeted with love, and he even gets little rubs under the chin, a sure-fire way to help him know that he should be proud. He has been getting the nutrition that he needs, but we know that his body will take time to recover from the neglect.

Hank loves to run after his ball in the play yard. His new friends make sure he doesn't overdo it, that he builds his muscle slowly.

Hank does show everything with his eyes. They are sad eyes, but we are beginning to see the sparkle come to light again as he gains more confidence. We are seeing the bright side of Hank more and more as the solemn boy who didn't know what it was like to be cared for learns that he is special and he lets down his walls to show people that he is one of the most loving German Shepherds we have ever met.

Hank is ready for his forever home, one that will give him what he deserves, leadership, love, and care, one that will appreciate him for the boy he is and not the one he thought he was, a family who can remind him, Hank, you don’t need to slouch anymore. The world sees you and you are ready to meet everyone's eyes with your own. When you see your reflection in their eyes, you will be proud.


If you are interested in meeting this dog, please fill out our online application first. Contact us via email at info@coastalK9gsr.org. The minimum adoption donation ranges from $300 to $400. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is tax deductible. Prior to placement, all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are usually microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis. Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.