How generosity gave one puppy a loving home .
Every day , Shalee Crow of Chico ,
Texas , would walk her 9-monthold daughter , Lakyn , down the street of their neighborhood . On their little walks they noticed a dog that followed them home every day . Crow gave the dog some water . After a few days of this , Crow decided to find out if this young Labrador had a home . She walked to the spot he was usually found — underneath a neighbor ’ s car — and knocked on that neighbor ’ s door .
“ I asked if the dog belonged to the young lady that answered the door ,” Crow said . “ The young lady said , ‘ yes ,’ but added that she was having trouble taking proper care of him . He had been a gift , but as a single mother , she could not afford to take care of him .”
Crow offered to take him home and very soon “ Hank ” became the newest member of the Crow family . As with all new pets , Crow took Hank to the veterinarian . Though Hank was very skinny and infested with fleas , he checked out well . Soon , he became a happy and healthy puppy . Hank grew older , Lakyn turned 3 , and the family moved to Weatherford . Hank , a constant companion , slept on the couch and guarded his loving family . He enjoyed being outside and playing with his best friend Lakyn , but was afraid of loud noises such as thunder and fireworks .
“ On New Year ’ s Eve Hank was frightened by the fireworks and ran away . We were sorrowful and panicked . Lakyn had bonded so well with her dog and was her best friend ,” Crow said .
Crow called the local animal shelter , but they were closed due to the holiday . The Crows continuously looked for him over the next three days but couldn ’ t find him . On Jan . 3 , Crow received a call from the animal shelter saying they had found a dog that matched Hank ’ s description . “ We were so relieved ,” she said . They drove to the shelter with high expectations , but when they arrived they discovered Hank had a microchip — and a different owner . He had been missing from his previous owner for over four years . Because he did not belong to them , Hank could not go home with the Crows .
“ Lakyn was very upset that she could see her dog but couldn ’ t come home with him . We were heartbroken ,” Crow said .
Later that afternoon a miracle happened . They received word that Joy , Hank ’ s original owner , asked that the Crow family keep him because of how he had bonded with the family . Hank was able to come home with the Crows . They also discovered that Hank ’ s original name was King .
A king he is , indeed , to a little girl named Lakyn .
Weatherford Parker County Animal Shelter
“ Everybody deserves somebody who makes them look forward to tomorrow !”
Come volunteer with us !
403 Hickory Lane | Weatherford , TX | 76086 | 817-598-4111
FEBRUARY 2017 PARKER COUNTY TODAY
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