And, then this...

Sierra has been really good about staying close to home since we lost Merlin. She patrols the property, visits the horses next door, and checks on the dog across the road occasionally. 

Last Sunday while with the horses in their pasture I see her running down the middle of the road (yes, this drives me crazy and now makes me cringe even more when I see it) and barking like crazy. Then I notice movement quite a way up the road. She's found a dog to chase. They disappear and we go about business. About 20 minutes later she walks up.

With this...

A skinny little red cur dog.

Sigh... We're sure he was dumped. Knew it would happen but hoping not so soon. And, being in the county outside city limits we're stuck with him. 

Hank keeps watch while the horses eat their breakfast wearing one of Merlin's old collars. 

Here he's curled up on a pile of cut grass while we work. 

Hank is very sweet, quiet, loyal, clean, friendly, gentle, and wants to be loved. He's scared of everything, especially Hazel, and would love to come inside like the other dogs. He sleeps in a comfy spot with blankets inside the garage right at the kitchen door despite that being Hazel's domain. It's warm and close to us. He's got a scar on his chest. I'm thinking he's about a year old. We don't really want him but he seems to want and need us. He's not been loved and really really wants to be. 

He's had no training but with a little work, patience, and time maybe some will stick.

If you happen to want him or know somebody that would love to give him a home (we really don't want him) he'll be here waiting.