It was almost one year ago when a wandering, stray dog — reportedly on the verge of death — found his way onto a Spring Training baseball diamond and into the hearts of the Milwaukee Brewers’ staff. Now, that dog has won the hearts of millions more, the proof being honored with ‘Dog of the Year.’
Named ‘Hank,’ this chilled-out, white mutt became the talk of the 2014 Grapefruit League and became the unofficial mascot of the Brewers. He took pictures, played ball and hung out in the clubhouse — he was essentially another Milwaukee baseball player — part of the team.
But just when you think becoming an instant-celebrity in the baseball world wasn’t enough for a complete 180-degree turnaround, Hank was named ‘Dog of the Year’ at the 2014 ‘World Dog Awards,’ beating out fellow nominees, ‘the world’s ugliest dog,’ the dog that won ‘Best In Show’ at the Westminster Dog Show and the dog that is mayor of Cormorant, Minn.
All the competing canines didn’t seem too thrilled about the result.
I guess this is what happens when you stumble into an unknown place with absolutely nothing to offer, yet still win the hearts of an entire nation.
Hank, the world’s greatest dog? Possibly …
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
Photo Credit: Getty
Hank the Dog
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Hank roams Miller Park
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 31: Hank the Dog and Bernie Brewers run the field before the game between the Atlanta Braves during Opening Day at Miller Park on March 31, 2014 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
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Stoic Hank
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 07: "Hank the dog" sits on the field before the spring training game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 7, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Celebrity Hank
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 07: Kelly Ausloos of New Holstein, Wisconsin poss with "Hank the Dog" during the spring training game between the Milwaukee Brewers and San Diego Padres at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 7, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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On-Deck Hank
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 07: "Hank the dog" sits on the field before the spring training game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the San Diego Padres at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 7, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Bobblehead Hank
MILWAUKEE, WI - SEPTEMBER 13: A bobble head doll for the Brewers mascot Hank the dog was given away to fans who attended the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Cincinnati Reds on September 13, 2014 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Reds defeated the Brewers 5-1. (Photo by John Konstantaras/Getty Images)
