Meet Hank: St. John Ambulance program gets 'adwarfable' addition

A new four-legged member of the St. JohnAmbulance therapy dog program is using his own special condition to help people in similar situations.

His name is Hank, and he's your typical yellow Labradorretriever happy, active and friendly. And according to his owner, Allison Best, these traits make Hank a great candidate to be a therapy dog.

"Hank can show people it's OK to be different," Bestsaid in a mediarelease issued Thursday morning.

And it's Hank's owndisability thatsets himapart. Hank has dwarfism.

"Despite his perceived limitations, he lives a full and happy life and isn't afraid to attempt anything."

The pup was three months old when his owner realized there was something different about her dog. He was growing slowly and his legs began to bow. After X-rays and genetic testing, Hank was diagnosed with dwarfism.

Hank'sjourney has gathered major interest, with more than 20,000 followers on hisInstagram pagecalledAdwarfable Hank.

Now he'llstart gaining therapy experience through visitations at senior's facilities, something St. John Ambulance believes he'swell-suited to do.

"With his condition, many seniors that meet with Hank can relate on a whole other level," said spokespersonRoberta Hewitt.

"Hank is an inspiration and we're happy to have him."

After he finishes the therapy program, Best hopes to have Hank providing care and attention to children and people with special needs at the Janeway Children's Hospital.

"He puts a smile on my face everyday," Best said.

"I wanted to share that joy with those who are less fortunate."