‘Clumsy’ shelter dog’s energy rivals a ‘toddler on espresso.’ He needs a home
A “bouncy” shelter dog has enough energy to “rival a toddler on espresso” — and he needs a new owner.
“He’s clumsy on a leash, generous with kisses, and just chaotic enough to keep life interesting,” a North Carolina animal shelter wrote in a Facebook post. “With a little guidance and a lot of belly rubs, Uncle Hank is ready to paw-ty his way into your heart — and your home.”
As of Oct. 1, the Watauga Humane Society’s website listed Hank among the animals available for adoption. The shelter said the dog ended up in its care after he “strutted onto a family’s doorstep like he’d RSVP’d for dinner, and dessert.”
“He was found as a stray after wandering onto the porch of an older couple who live at the edge of the woods,” Danielle Deschamps, communications coordinator for the shelter, told McClatchy News via email. “He charmed them immediately, sweet, well-behaved, and adorable. They truly adored him and tried to make it work, but as a bouncy young pup, his energy was just a bit too much for them to manage.”
Hank, who had made friends with the couple’s grandson, struggled when he first arrived at the shelter. He acted nervous and dragged his tail as he adjusted to his new environment.
“But give him a few days? This guy is now a full-blown attention sponge,” the humane society wrote. “The second the camera comes out, he’s belly-up and angling for tickles. He won’t sit still for a photo, but he will steal your heart (and probably your seat).”
Hank, whose name was inspired by the main character on the TV show “King of the Hill,” is described as a 2-year-old mixed-breed pup. He has spent nearly one month waiting for a second chance at the shelter in the mountain town of Boone, a roughly 85-mile drive west from Winston-Salem.
“He’s incredibly affectionate, polite, and undeniably adorable,” Deschamps wrote. “Whoever adopts him is in for a total treat.”
Details about the shelter’s adoption process can be found at wataugahumane.org.
This story was originally published October 1, 2025 at 10:03 AM with the headline "‘Clumsy’ shelter dog’s energy rivals a ‘toddler on espresso.’ He needs a home."
