Hank Mardukas Glass truly loves his work. He’s an internet sensation, who makes lots of public appearances. He’s been a featured guest at a few conferences, competed in a pie-eating contest, appeared at a Sacramento Kings game, ran in the Gleason Classic and helped raise funds for a wide variety of charities. He’s even had a limited edition vegan bagel created for him by Bagel Boy New Orleans. His work often finds him brushing jowls with celebrities such as Seth Rogen.
“Seth was very nice and cuddly but I wish he’d had more treats,” says Hank.
The Louisiana SPCA hosted Hank’s recent first year birthday party.
“We were also able to raise money for the SPCA,” he says. “It’s very important to me that every animal can find a best friend with which to live.”
Hank is an American miniature pot-bellied pig who, given his current size, will most likely be the size of an English bulldog when full grown, weighing in at about 40 pounds.
His social media campaign, “My Best Friend Hank” has — combining Facebook and Instagram — 500,000 followers.
Will Glass and his wife, Ashley, both with masters degrees in marketing, adopted Hank at eight weeks old in December 2016. Will’s dream since childhood was to own a mini pig.
“My mother wouldn’t let me get one but now that I’m adult no one could stop me except my wife and luckily she’s into it,” Will said.
The idea for the "mybestfriendhank" account started so that Ashley’s family in West Virginia could watch their grandpig grow up. The couple said they thought Hank would be a hit with other pig fanciers but never expected this much attention.
Hank and the Glasses are thrilled that he can help raise money for so many charities. Last year Hank coached a team of ducks for the Second Harvest Food Bank Rubber Duck Derby and raised more than $4,000.
On his website, Hank sells t-shirts and stickers, along with the chance to donate $1 to buy him a bowl of delicious blueberries.
“We’ve been amazed that so many people wanted personalized Hank presents this year for Christmas,” said Will. “It’s crazy that we’ve become the ‘It’ Christmas present.”
Hank has many friends from all walks of life and all ages.
“Hank is so cute,” says 5-year-old Georgia Peyton, who sometimes helps out at Hank’s meet and greets. “He’s adorable. I like to see his pictures on Instagram.”
Hank is very engaged in life and revels in his many interests.
“I like food, ear scratches, belly rubs, treats, film, literature, rooting and blankets. I love making friends and trying new foods, however, my all-time favorite activity is snuggling.”
For Christmas, Hank’s wishes are simple, he wants to start the day with an extra long belly rub and he’s hoping to get a Blu-ray DVD of Disney’s “The Lion King.”
“Then I’ll sit around all day watching it, eating blueberries and popcorn,” he says. “Pumbaa is my hero.”
According to his owners, Hank loves everything and everyone.
“He’s a beacon of positivity and he wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas.”
