05/01/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Hank – the very best member of our Muter team.
Hank came into this world on April 12, 2012 at Twin Lakes Kennel, located in the rolling hills of Scotland County where the legendary Woody Thurman – one of the most respected Labrador breeders and trainers in the country – took one look at Hank’s litter and named him the pick. Those of us who knew Hank are not surprised. Woody knew.
In July of that year, Hank went home with John and Beth to the farm in Zebulon. John, honoring the talent Woody identified, enrolled Hank in the Bill Hillman Training Program, a highly regarded development system known for its ability to produce high-caliber hunting dogs. The trainers were impressed. Reportedly, they had never seen better. Hank was on a clear trajectory to become an elite hunting dog – right up until the office staged what can only be described as an intervention. We needed our dog back. We didn’t need Hank to be on the hunting circuit; we needed him in Zebulon – with us. Thankfully, John and Beth went to pick Hank up and bring him home, where he belonged, giving our office something far more valuable than a field champion.
We had our dog back. We like to think Hank was relieved to be back.
When John and Beth started Muter Construction back in November 2012, Hank was right there beside them. He was there at the very start, before the first project, before the first employee, before any of us came along. Hank was Muter from day one.
From that point forward, Hank embraced his true calling. He became our de facto mascot – part of the Muter brand, woven into the fabric of who we are. He had seven beds at the farm – his most recent and most beloved a luxurious faux fur orthopedic setup fit for the champion he was – plus additional beds stationed throughout the office with Gina, Meagan and Christina. Because a dog of Hank’s stature simply could not be expected to travel far without the finer things in life, and a soft spot to lay.
Hank was a connoisseur of fine snacks. String cheese was all-time favorite, taking top spot in his personal snack ranking. In later years, he came to develop a taste for the peanut butter pill pocket, and he happily entered those into the rotation. We can all attest to Hank’s appreciation for a well-deserved snack. After all, construction is a hard business.
Hank loved balls! Give him something to retrieve, something to chase, and he was in his element! A flash of black across the yard, returning to you every time, proud as he could be. He was also an avid traveler who could tell with uncanny precision, the moment Beth’s car pulled into the farm or Landfall.
Hank loved being with Beth more than anything. He followed her from room to room at home. He found her at the office. He simply needed to know where she was, and once he did, all was right with the world. But, thankfully, Beth shared Hank with all of us. He had a quiet gift – a kind of sixth sense – for knowing when someone was having a hard day and needed a little extra attention. He would appear, paw at your door, and without fanfare, settle in close for a pet and a rub. Somehow making things better. He just had that way about him.
Our Muter family extends their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jami Rose and her entire team at Zebulon Animal Hospital for the exceptional, compassionate care they provided Hank throughout his life. You took care of our boy, and we are so grateful.
Hank celebrated his 14th birthday on April 12 and left us peacefully on April 30. Fourteen years of string cheese, balls and love. Hands down, the best dog ever.
Rest easy, Hank. We will miss you every single day.
