Duke

We are so very sad to announce that our 2016 Alumnus Duke has moved to the Rainbow Bridge.  Duke, formerly Fred, came to rescue with his brother Jack (formerly Spartan) from a Florida shelter.  
 
His parents Jill and Steve said, “It is with a heavy heart we're letting you know we said goodbye to Duke today.  Duke was diagnosed a couple years ago with prostate cancer and last week he took a major turn.  After an intensive ultrasound, we found out the cancer had spread to a lymph node and his stomach.  He stopped eating two days ago and let us know it was time.  We're very sad but know he's pain free now.  We're hoping his brother, Jack, will do ok without his partner in crime.  He's a bit of a diva so we assume he'll enjoy ALL the love now.”   
 
Those of us in rescue recall Duke and his brother’s adoption (i.e., foster fail) as the fastest ever in rescue history.  Jill and Steve recall, “In 2016, when the clerks at our vet's office called to tell us there were two GSPs at the county shelter, we rushed to save them for SEGSP rescue!  It was definitely less than 24 hours before we realized we couldn't resist them and made them ours, even though we already had TWO at home!  I look back and can't believe we had four at the time.  Duke was always our "crazy" one, but he was OUR crazy.   He was very attached to Daddy and if he moved, so did Duke!  He loved going to our property in north Florida with Daddy and his brother, Jack.  Duke was always co-pilot in the front seat of the truck cab for the three+ hour drive each way.  So many smells!  Deer, hogs, raccoons, squirrels, turkeys and even a bear!  Riding around in the buggy was a favorite for him and he enjoyed laying on the barge while Daddy fished. Jack is sticking close.  We're keeping an eye on him... hoping he'll be ok.”
 
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart.”  Unknown