2024 Annual Report

“Everyone’s Favorite Uncle” Hank Duerk

Deb says, “The level and scope of affection and support and cooperation at Saint Francis is off the charts. There’s just so much trust here. I remember thinking in my interview all those years ago that these people are so down to earth and kind and non-ego driven and WOW, do I want to be part of this. I feel the same way almost 20 years later.” “I believe that everyone deserves a chance to be the most they can be, and our dogs help their partners and their families get there, sometimes in ways that they never imagined were possible.” And Deb is such a huge part of what makes up the fabric of Saint Francis. She is always the one to organize our office get-togethers, knowing that it is often during our downtime that the most creative ideas strike. Her passions are eclectic and interesting - from history to jazz deep cuts, from hiking to refurbishing vintage bicycles. But what drives her most is her desire to continue working together for the common good - with extraordinary dogs and exceptional people - where what we do every day can help change someone’s life. “It’s so personal, and tactile, and simple; my life has been richer because of the work I’ve loved and the dogs I’ve loved. I’m beyond grateful to think that I can play a small part in bringing those two things together.”

In a nutshell, Hank Duerk is the best, nicest, kindest dog in all the land. Deb often recounts the story of his birth. She got to be there from the very moment he drew his first tiny breath, and he jumped into her heart right then and there. He is the uncle and great-uncle of many, many of our Saint Francis puppies and dogs, but he was never a service dog himself (although he’d probably be a good one). While TECHNICALLY a retriever, he’s not crazy about retrieving. During playtime in the field, he prefers to mingle with the human adults while keeping a close eye on the quirky bunch of our staff’s personal dogs he spends his workdays with. He likes naps, snuggling, chicken, his Flat Cow, and his fuzzy beach ball. His signature move is the “Hank Flop and Roll”, where he finds the perfect patch of grass to wriggle on. His sweet demeanor and quiet patience truly make him “everyone’s favorite uncle”!

Thank you, Deb! You are such an important part of our Saint Francis Family.

Hank

9