Dog and His Fuzzy Purple Hippo Must Be Adopted Together, Shelter Says

The Fox Valley Humane Association of Appleton, Wisconsin is doing amazing work for animals. The non-profit shelter cares for over 5,000 animals a year. Recently, they accepted a bonded pair they knew couldn’t be adopted separately. Hank the dog arrived at the shelter with a fuzzy purple hippopotamus he loved. (One very like this sweet li’l stuffed hippo.)

Hank and the hippo

Hank and his purple hippo are a bonded pair, so if you aren't ready for a 4 year old Chocolate Lab to come home when you adopt your fuzzy Hippopotamus…well, sorry, we can't approve your application. The hippo won't let us get an age on her, but we don't think she's quite as old as Hank..They've been together a long time though. She IS spayed and current on vaccinations, but does seem a bit lethargic. Hank is most definitely not. They do say that opposites attract…. #fvha #foxvalleyhumaneassociation #adoptme #adoptdontshop #labsofinstagram #rescuedog #chocolatelab #shelterdog #fuzzypurplehippo

A post shared by Fox Valley Humane Association (@foxvalleyhumane) on Jul 7, 2017 at 9:30pm PDT

The shelter posted the two on Instagram, stating “Hank and his purple hippo are a bonded pair, so if you aren’t ready for a 4 year-old chocolate Lab to come home when you adopt your fuzzy hippopotamus…well, sorry, we can’t approve your application.”

Fuzzy purple hippo undergoes emergency surgery

UPDATE: The Fuzzy Purple Hippo, bonded with Hank, who we told you about last week has had a medical emergency. Dr. Laura is currently performing life-saving surgery to repair the near-decapitation. Details of the incident which caused the injury are murky, as Hank is refusing to answer our questions. (Yes, we have tried sternly asking, "what did you DO??" but he only looks away with a guilty look on his face.) Please keep the Fuzzy Purple Hippo in your thoughts. We will continue to keep you updated. #fvha #foxvalleyhumaneassociation #shelterlife #fuzzypurplehippo

A post shared by Fox Valley Humane Association (@foxvalleyhumane) on Jul 11, 2017 at 2:57pm PDT

In a shocking turn of events, the fuzzy purple hippo was recently found nearly decapitated in Hank’s kennel. On-site vets leapt into action to save the hippo’s life.

No one knows quite what happened, but Hank looked a little guilty.

Police investigate the hippo assault

UPDATE: Chief Thomas, of the Appleton Police Department, and K9 Blue (APD's Therapy Dog in-training) came to FVHA this afternoon to examine evidence found in Hank and the Fuzzy Purple Hippo's kennel. We are confident that with the exceptional investigative skills of Blue and the Chief, the case of the Hippossault will be closed soon. A formal announcement from the chief has been scheduled for tomorrow morning. (Swipe to view all photos) @appletonpolicedepartment #fuzzypurplehippo #fvha #foxvalleyhumaneassociation #shelterlife #therapydog

A post shared by Fox Valley Humane Association (@foxvalleyhumane) on Jul 13, 2017 at 2:50pm PDT

Luckily, the Appleton police were on the case, and worked hard to determine Hank’s innocence. “Hank said that he was scared that the Fuzzy Purple Hippo would get in trouble for trying to get out of their kennel and he wanted to protect her. He was willing to go to prison to keep her free and able go to a good home.”

Dog picketers pounding the pavement for Hank’s innocence

UPDATE: picketers have now arrived at the shelter who believe in Hank's innocence. #fuzzypurplehippo #fvha #foxvalleyhumaneassociation #shelterlife #freehank

A post shared by Fox Valley Humane Association (@foxvalleyhumane) on Jul 13, 2017 at 9:59am PDT

Hippo talks through the incident with a therapist

UPDATE: Fuzzy Purple Hippo met with a therapist this morning to discuss whether or not she feels safe in her relationship with Hank. Although their love for one another is very apparent, we want to be sure that there are no underlying issues and that she is not suffering from any emotional scars from her injuries. HIPPO laws prohibit her therapist from disclosing what she said in their session. …wait…we meant HIPPA laws, sorry. **Domestic violence and PTSD are serious issues. If you or someone you know are are suffering, help is available! The National Domestic Violence Hotline 800-799-SAFE PTSD USA Helpline 877-717-PTSD #fuzzypurplehippo #fvha #foxvalleyhumaneassociation #shelterlife

A post shared by Fox Valley Humane Association (@foxvalleyhumane) on Jul 13, 2017 at 9:05am PDT

Hank is finally cleared of all wrongdoing

APPLETON POLICE CHIEF THOMAS RELEASES OFFICIAL STATEMENT REGARDING FINDINGS OF HANK'S INVESTIGATION The evidence, as well as information garnered from discussions with Hank and his attorney and the Fuzzy Purple Hippo and her therapist have brought the full story to light. Hank is not only INNOCENT, but a hero! Read the full, sometimes hard to read yet deeply romantic account of the events leading up to the discovery of the tragedy on our Facebook page later this morning. @appletonpolicedepartment @nbc26_gb #fuzzypurplehippo #fvha #foxvalleyhumaneassociation #shelterlife

A post shared by Fox Valley Humane Association (@foxvalleyhumane) on Jul 14, 2017 at 4:03am PDT

As the FVHA shared news of Hank’s clean record, they also let everyone know that Hank and hippo had found a forever home together at last.

Check out the photo of his new family below.

Hank and fuzzy purple hippo with their new family

Congratulations Hank and Fuzzy Purple Hippo!

PROBABLY THE SAME HIPPO TOY HANK LOVES!

If your dog needs a fuzzy purple hippo of his or her own, this one is absolutely adorable.

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H/t: Fox Valley Humane Association