In February, Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy petted Hank at spring training in Phoenix. (Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press)
The year 2014 turned out to be a big one for Hank the Dog, who showed up at the Milwaukee Brewers’ spring training complex in February, in a sadly bedraggled state. That was the last time that Hank would go unloved, as the pooch was effectively adopted by the Brewers and their fans, and officially adopted by a loving family.
Not only did Hank find a good home, he was given another one by the team:
The #HankHouse also features a mini slide & the #BallparkPup hashtag. #Brewers pic.twitter.com/L6oFnLR7JK
— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) April 21, 2014
For their part, Milwaukee fans took to the dog so much that they raised over $150,000 for the Wisconsin Humane Society through sales of Hank-related merchandise. All that good work culminated in a big, barking win Thursday at the World Dog Awards. As announced by Paris Hilton (!), the Golden Hydrant award for Dog of the Year went to the Brewers’ best friend. Way to go, Hank! Here’s a video to help you get to know Hank’s story a little better:
@FrontRowAmy I’ll take Hank winning as Brewers post season success!!
— Jose A Flores (@TheJoseAFlores) January 16, 2015
In other World Dog Awards-related sports news, Tennessee’s Jr. Smokey won for Best Mascot. And he was fired up!
He won!!!! Congrats @Smokey_Jr05 was named Mascot Of The Year at #WorldDogAwards pic.twitter.com/YQUQxdO5x0
— Tennessee Athletics (@Vol_Sports) January 16, 2015
But the night, and the past year, belonged to Hank. Way to go, little guy.
CONGRATS HANK! The @Brewers‘ Hank the Dog, wins Dog of the Year! #WorldDogAwards pic.twitter.com/tkP8mjNMxZ
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) January 16, 2015
