Friends of Duke is a life-saving, foster-based animal rescue in Northern Vermont

Simply put, Duke didn’t know how to be a dog. He didn’t know how to play with his siblings, how to appreciate toys, how to relax in his bed, etc. I’m not sure he even knew his own name. The one thing he did know how to do, despite his history and the hand he was dealt, was trust to his humans. He was loyal. All he wanted was to be around us and follow the group. We showed him the way and he followed. He was the missing piece of our family that we never knew we needed. He was a redbone coonhound, untrained at that. So- anyone who knows anything about that breed can guess that he was a total “bull in a China shop,” and he was. As he gained his confidence, he turned into the loudest, goofiest, most slobbery boy and it was the most beautiful and messy experience I’ve ever been a part of. 

The second half of Duke’s life was filled with love. He had several canine and feline brothers and sisters, daily outdoor activities and a whole army of humans who loved him relentlessly. He loved adventures and was even able to travel across country with his favorite humans by his side. Nothing made him happier than sunbathing on the porch with the wind in his ears listening to the cars go by. He hiked mountains, he swam in many lakes and even visited the ocean. He probably dug more holes than any excavating business, with a smile of his face. Thankfully he was that lovable, because it made his bad habits tolerable- like continuously licking our car windows and taking off for “swamp missions” without permission and ending up at the local police department. They knew him by name and he was greeted with treats. 

Sadly, Duke left this world in February of 2022. His old, diseased body gave up on him before his heart was ready. Though it completely shattered our hearts, we find peace knowing with certainty that Duke left this world knowing his was loved. He knew he had family. He was valued and he mattered. He died with dignity and his last memory was not in a stall with twine around his neck, hungry- it was being held and kissed by his humans who loved him.

So-with that, because of everlasting impression he left on his people, we keep going. We find animals that need advocates, and we advocate for them.  Animal welfare is an uphill battle but even changing one life is making a difference. Duke sure made a difference in our lives, and we will do everything we can to pay it forward.