Hank - A Loving and Intelligent Companion

On Saturday, February 9, Golden Year 5 (2008), Illinois Center initiates drove to East Peoria, Illinois to present the Shining World Hero Award to Hank, a part Boxer-part Labrador dog. Hank was adopted from a shelter by his companion, Kristie Zimmerman in December 2007.

On the day of his heroic act, Hank grabbed Kristie's towel as she was preparing to take a shower. However, instead of running outside as he usually does, Hank dropped the towel in front of the place where Kristie's two-month-old son Steven was lying. Curious about this behavior, Kristie followed Hank and found that her son was gasping for air. Kristie immediately dialed 911and received life-saving instructions to remove the fiber that was obstructing Steven's air passageway. Without Hank's intelligent and timely protection, young Steven's life would have been in grave danger.

At Kristie's home, the initiates were warmly received, and upon meeting Hank, were impressed by his beauty, liveliness and intelligence, as even though he was running around the house, he was careful not to knock over the camera equipment brought by local TV station Hion News. Besides the Shining World Hero Award, in which Hank's picture was embedded, Hank also received gifts from Master, including two Happy Doggie outfits, a bag of Lively Doggie Vegetarian Dog Food, an assortment of toys and a bag of veggie bones with chlorophyll. Kristie received Master's publications and sample booklet along with a few sweet treats.

Hion News then interviewed both Kristie and an Association member, and the interviewer showed great interest in the Shining World Hero Award and our Association's work. Kristie was thankful that Master had awarded Hank for his part in saving her baby's life and encouraged Supreme Master Television viewers to consider rescuing pets from shelters.

The award ceremony was an event filled with Master's grace that brought joy to everyone involved.