Meet Hank, the Aussiedoodle who, in his own adorable way, taught us all a little bit about decisions.
And how sometimes the hardest ones involve choosing between what you love and what you want.
It all started with Hank’s Gotcha Day—a moment meant to celebrate the day he officially became part of his forever home.
His family had prepared a special treat for him, meant just for this occasion.
But as Hank’s human uncle presented the treat, there was one problem: Hank had his tennis ball in his mouth.
Now, you’d think a special treat would win every time. But Hank looked utterly conflicted.
He held the ball like a lifeline, pacing between his bed and the spot where the treat was.
Every now and then, he’d glance at the treat, then betray his heart by clutching the ball a little tighter.
Behind him, you can hear chuckles: his uncle saying gently, “You have to drop the ball, bro.”
But Hank doesn’t budge. Not yet.
He seems to genuinely believe he can do both—keep the ball and enjoy the treat.
For what feels like forever (though in the video it’s just around 40 seconds), Hank circles, debates, and vacillates.
The tension is real. The stakes—his love for the ball versus delicious, gotcha-day glory.
Finally, Hank seems to reach decision mode. He drops the ball. He accepts the treat.
But he doesn’t just eat it right where he stands. No. He carries it back to his bed.
It’s like he deserves a throne for making the hard choice—an audience for the ceremony.
Then, and only then, he settles in, eyes half-closed, clearly satisfied that he’s done right: ball arrives, treat eaten, celebration underway.
Here’s the thing: it’s funny because it’s so human.
We’ve all been in moments where we hold on to something we love—even when logic (or desire) suggests we should let it go long enough to enjoy something else.
We cling to comfort, to familiarity, to what’s in our mouths, whatever that may be.
But Hank reminds us that sometimes it’s okay to let go.
To pause with both paws in the air.
To be a bit dramatic.
And then, when you finally drop whatever it is, the reward is sweeter.
People online fell in love with Hank over this silly, heartwarming video.
Over 52,000 likes went to it—not because it’s a breakthrough, or a big rescue—but because it’s universal and honest.
We see ourselves in his indecision, but also in his triumph.
So, next time you watch a dog weighing a ball vs. a treat, don’t scoff.
Think of Hank.
Think of choice.
Think of what you might be holding onto when perhaps, just perhaps, letting go could let you enjoy something truly special.
