Today is Hank’s 7th Birthday and Yellow Dog Consulting wouldn’t be what it is without him.

In the fall of 2007 my husband and I decided that wanted a dog. After dinner with friends who have a GREAT retriever we decided that a larger breed would be a good fit for us. So, we started paying attention to all the rescue groups and shelters in the Puget Sound, and one afternoon in October my husband found “Hulk” a big yellow lab who had been transferred from the Kittitas Shelter to the Seattle Humane Society.
I was there Saturday morning when the shelter opened and went right to check him out. He was sick with kennel cough and was laying in his kennel and very mellow. And HUGE. What was I thinking? My dad was up visiting so we went to play with Hulk and check him out. Even then I was calling him Hank. I decided to check out another dog, who was way too much energy. As I was going back, they were putting Hank back in the kennel, and I asked to see him again. I was hooked. We adopted him, and they had to keep him until Tuesday because he needed to be neutered and micro chipped (all included in the ridiculously low adoption fee) so that October we adopted an 18 month old yellow lab who was found on the side of the road in Ellensburg that wasn’t neutered or microchipped. We figure he’s a farm dog that got lost, I think he was just trying to find us.
We’re glad he did, he changed our lives. And now on his 7th birthday we get ready to celebrate the 2 year anniversary of Yellow Dog Consulting, which all started because I adopted a dog to hangout with him, not pay for a dog walker and dog sitter and to never see him. I needed to not be in my car and be out with a leash and my lab, and it was one of the best decisions of my life!
Happy Birthday Hank!

Every Year Hank gets a stocking FILLED with treats and toys, some of which he’ll sniff and ignore, others of which he’ll devour instantly. If your dog hasn’t told you want he or she wants this Christmas, Here’s some of Hank’s favorite things:

1. Bully Sticks – these are not the most modest treat you will purchase this year, but it’s the only treat that lasts Hank more than 5 minutes and it’s way better than trying to brush his teeth. The only ones I’ve found that really work and don’t stink up the house are from A.B. Dog Chew and I find them at All the Best Petcare and Earth Pet here in Issaquah.
2. Tennis Balls & a good Chuck-it– Hank LOVES to swim and chase after tennis balls. While he’s a good lab, sometimes his nose doesn’t always find the ball, or another dog steals it. Or it’s disgusting and we leave it “donated” to the park. So, once a year I pick up a case of tennis balls at Costco and we’re set!
3. Nyima Bakery Treats! We LOVE Nymia treats! All Natural and Organic Dog treats from a local (Issaquah!) woman owned business! Enter HANK at check out for 10% off your entire order!
4. Ruff Bowl– I’m not totally sure where I discovered this find this year but Hank is getting one in his stocking. They have a great Cyber Monday Deal today too. A dog bowl that attaches to your retractable leash and can hold a used bag? I’ll take it!
5. Dog-Gone-Good Biscuits– I discovered another neighborhood dog treat company at the vet last week picking up Hank. Hank is LOVING their Heart Healthy Turkey treats in our cookie jar right now! You’re supporting a young (8 years old!) entrepreneur and your dog gets more great treats!

What treats and toys does your dog have to have this holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments!