Duke 12-315

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Profile

I'd like to introduce Duke. He is a 7 year old male Golden Retriever-Yellow lab mix. He is now neutered and UTD on all vaccines. He is in very good health with no worms, no heartworm and tested negative for Lyme disease. Duke weighs 70 Lbs. Duke was taken in by a good Samaritan as a stray. The good Samaritan tried for 6 weeks to find the owner but only got an anonymous reply saying his name was Duke. Then Duke was taken to the Humane Society before RAGOM took him in. Duke had to spend some time in boarding until I took him. I was told he didn't do well in boarding. This is very understandable because Duke is very much a people dog. Duke was transported to Minnesota from South Dakota by RAGOM SD transport John H. Thank you so much John.

When I got Duke to my house we had the normal outdoor intros with my resident Ziggy and other foster/hospice Rocket. Everything went well. Duke met the outdoor cats with no problems also. The house cat Itsey and kitten Tiger had no problems with Duke either. Duke was unknown about cats, so this was very good.

Duke was very nervous, as most new foster dogs are. He paced and drank lots of water, panted and had to go outside many times.

I took Duke and Rocket for a walk to help calm Duke down some and to have him and Rocket get used to each other. Duke likes the crate so he would go in there to chill out. He spent his first night here in the crate and was quiet all night.

In the morning he was very excited and I took him outside first thing. Back in for breakfast. Duke inhales his food. Then we went for 3 1/2 mile walk. I would be leaving Duke home that day while I took Rocket and Ziggy to Goldzilla. Duke spent the day in the crate with no problems. He was very excited when we got home.

Duke remained nervous for a couple more days. I gave him free roam of the house and he did great. He looked at what was on the counter but never touched anything and never touched the wastebaskets. This is great. No bad habits that I have found yet.

Duke very much knows his name and has great recall. He also will pretty much sit on demand. I'm working on "lay down". Duke will tug a bit on the leash but will back off as soon as you give a light tug back or call his name.

Duke is in very good shape and can walk very long distance [over 3 1/2 miles] without getting tired. I believe he may be trained for hunting. He will take off on a scent track. He will stop as soon as called. He hasn't started working the ditches on our walks yet.

Duke is a very affectionate dog. He absolutely loves any and all attention he can get. He does jump up but mostly to get hugs. He will put his face next to mine when he wants hugs. He will get down most times when told. He gives kisses also.

Duke does get excited if I go outside. He and Rocket will pace a bit, look out the window and maybe bark a bit. They usually settle down quickly. Always very excited and when I come back in.

Duke has only been here a week and seems to still be coming out of his shell. From what I see now Duke is a very good dog and with a minimal amount of training could become a great dog and a super companion. He is very eager to learn new things. I haven't kid tested Duke yet but I'm pretty sure he will do great. He is very gentle.

Here is a summary of what I know about Duke 12-315 so far:

  • Duke has great recall. He has come to me every time I called him
  • Duke gets along with other dogs fine as long as properly intoduced
  • Duke gets along with cats. He has started to play with the house kitten
  • Duke is very active and needs lots of exercise
  • Duke is very affectionate and needs time with his people
  • Duke is housebroke only 1 accident the 1st day [my fault]
  • Duke is pretty quiet. He has only barked a few times.
  • Duke doesn't counter surf
  • Duke is eager to learn new things

There is much more to learn about Duke. Does Duke 12-315 sound like the kind of dog you are looking for? If you think Duke 12-315 could fit in your heart and home, contact your placement adviser.

 

At a Glance #12-315

Mixed Breed Born: August 2005
Male 65 lbs

Status: Adopted

Profile

I'd like to introduce Duke. He is a 7 year old male Golden Retriever-Yellow lab mix. He is now neutered and UTD on all vaccines. He is in very good health with no worms, no heartworm and tested negative for Lyme disease. Duke weighs 70 Lbs. Duke was taken in by a good Samaritan as a stray. The good Samaritan tried for 6 weeks to find the owner but only got an anonymous reply saying his name was Duke. Then Duke was taken to the Humane Society before RAGOM took him in. Duke had to spend some time in boarding until I took him. I was told he didn't do well in boarding. This is very understandable because Duke is very much a people dog. Duke was transported to Minnesota from South Dakota by RAGOM SD transport John H. Thank you so much John.

When I got Duke to my house we had the normal outdoor intros with my resident Ziggy and other foster/hospice Rocket. Everything went well. Duke met the outdoor cats with no problems also. The house cat Itsey and kitten Tiger had no problems with Duke either. Duke was unknown about cats, so this was very good.

Duke was very nervous, as most new foster dogs are. He paced and drank lots of water, panted and had to go outside many times.

I took Duke and Rocket for a walk to help calm Duke down some and to have him and Rocket get used to each other. Duke likes the crate so he would go in there to chill out. He spent his first night here in the crate and was quiet all night.

In the morning he was very excited and I took him outside first thing. Back in for breakfast. Duke inhales his food. Then we went for 3 1/2 mile walk. I would be leaving Duke home that day while I took Rocket and Ziggy to Goldzilla. Duke spent the day in the crate with no problems. He was very excited when we got home.

Duke remained nervous for a couple more days. I gave him free roam of the house and he did great. He looked at what was on the counter but never touched anything and never touched the wastebaskets. This is great. No bad habits that I have found yet.

Duke very much knows his name and has great recall. He also will pretty much sit on demand. I'm working on "lay down". Duke will tug a bit on the leash but will back off as soon as you give a light tug back or call his name.

Duke is in very good shape and can walk very long distance [over 3 1/2 miles] without getting tired. I believe he may be trained for hunting. He will take off on a scent track. He will stop as soon as called. He hasn't started working the ditches on our walks yet.

Duke is a very affectionate dog. He absolutely loves any and all attention he can get. He does jump up but mostly to get hugs. He will put his face next to mine when he wants hugs. He will get down most times when told. He gives kisses also.

Duke does get excited if I go outside. He and Rocket will pace a bit, look out the window and maybe bark a bit. They usually settle down quickly. Always very excited and when I come back in.

Duke has only been here a week and seems to still be coming out of his shell. From what I see now Duke is a very good dog and with a minimal amount of training could become a great dog and a super companion. He is very eager to learn new things. I haven't kid tested Duke yet but I'm pretty sure he will do great. He is very gentle.

Here is a summary of what I know about Duke 12-315 so far:

  • Duke has great recall. He has come to me every time I called him
  • Duke gets along with other dogs fine as long as properly intoduced
  • Duke gets along with cats. He has started to play with the house kitten
  • Duke is very active and needs lots of exercise
  • Duke is very affectionate and needs time with his people
  • Duke is housebroke only 1 accident the 1st day [my fault]
  • Duke is pretty quiet. He has only barked a few times.
  • Duke doesn't counter surf
  • Duke is eager to learn new things

There is much more to learn about Duke. Does Duke 12-315 sound like the kind of dog you are looking for? If you think Duke 12-315 could fit in your heart and home, contact your placement adviser.

 

Updates

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Hey all! Duke here. Yeah, it’s been a while. I know. But Mom changed the password on her laptop and it has taken me a couple years to crack it. You would think she would use my name as her password, but no. I don’t know how to tell her how much that hurt my feelings!

Anyway, it’s been almost 6 years since I adopted my forever parents. A lot has happened since then. I’ll just hit some of the highlights:

I had a sister for a while. Mom didn’t mean to, but there was this poster, and that sweet face and that big Labrador smile and her name was already Duchess and she needed a forever home. I’d like to think she was named after me but since she was older than me, that gets complicated.

Anyway, she knew a lot of cool stuff and taught me fun tricks like digging in the trash and pretending not to hear when we were called. She couldn’t run so well and sometimes tore up my Frisbees just cuz, but man, could she swim! Like velvet in the water.

Duke 12-315
It's suppertime, dad!

Speaking of swimming, Mom and Dad bought a cottage. It’s on a lake. 

That means lots of good things: long rides in the car, meat cooked on the grill, naps in the sun, bounding through snow across the frozen lake and best of all, lots and lots of swimming. (Sorry, Aunt C, for dumping you off the paddleboard, but it really was funny!)

Duchess and I got life jackets for Christmas a few years ago and I have to admit, it really helps. I didn’t think I’d ever say it, but the ol’ rear flippers just aren’t what they used to be.

Duke 12-315
Duke at the lake
Duke 12-315
Duke loves car rides!

We moved to Wisconsin. They have an awesome park here where I go with Dad. I get to run and run and fetch a ball. 

I guess there are other dogs there sometimes but I’m pretty focused on Dad and that ball. Sometimes, Mom comes with us. That’s when things get challenging.   

Mom and Dad just won’t stay together at the park. No matter how hard I try, one goes one way and one goes the other way and they both keep calling me. I run back and forth, turning them back toward each other. But as soon as they are heading toward each other, one turns around and heads the wrong way again. Over and over, running back and forth, it’s hard trying to keep those two in line. It sure wears me out.

Oh, and we got cats. They could be worse, I guess. Though I would appreciate it if they would stay off my bed and refrain from rinsing their paws in my water. Blech.

Duke 12-315
Cats on my bed, mom
Duke 12-315
Oh, well

Well, I guess that pretty much covers it. And it’s time for my nap. As always, a big bark out to my Foster Dad Barry and the Pack, and to all the kind folks who helped my Mom and Dad get adopted.

See you around!

Duke

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Hey all, Duke here. It's been a while, I know. I've been a busy guy...been a dog on the move...places to go, people to see. And they all love me. But hey, what's not to love, right?

Mom laughs and says she can't believe I was ever homeless because everyone who meets me asks if I can come home with them. Mom just smiles and hangs on tight to my leash. Like I would leave her? Seriously? My Mom? The best Mom in the whole entire world? I don't let her out of my sight even in the house. She's mine and don't any of you other dogs ever forget it. Why just last weekend we were out at the park and this other dog, a little curly haired thing, came up and wanted Mom to pet him. I know she was just being polite when she leaned down like she was going to do it, but I got right in there wagging my tail and licking her face and making sure everyone knew whose Mom she is. Mine. In case you didn't figure that out. Don't make me bark at you.

Speaking of the park, I am really sorry about that lady's shoe. I don't know what came over me. We were just standing there, she was petting me on the head nice and I was thinking how her bare leg kind of resembled a tree and she was scratching behind my ears and I must have gotten distracted because the next thing I knew I was lifting my leg and....yeah, not my best moment. Anyhoo....

Mom, Dad and I are coming up on our one year anniversary. Mom calls it "Duke Day" but that confuses me a little since every day is Duke day in my book. Anyway, a whole year- whew time flies! Sometimes I forget that I came from hard times, Mom and Dad are so good to me. Mom says I've earned it, whatever that means.

So what have I been up to, you ask? Well, Mom, Dad and I spent the spring playing Frisbee in the snow. I may have mentioned before that I love snow. I don't know what everyone was complaining about when it was snowing in late May. I loved it.

When the weather finally got warm, Mom put away the Duke-mobile and brought out the best car ever: the Convertible.  Shotgun!!  Sorry Dad...but that's what your truck is for!  I love gliding down the highway with the top down and my head out.  Of course, Mom takes care of me, so I've got flash new goggles to wear to protect my eyes and a snuggly seatbelt harness to keep me in place.  People point and wave and tell me hello as we go cruisin' by.  They know a cool Duke when they see one!

One of our favorite places to go is to a place Mom calls "the cabin".  Auntie Cheryl is usually there too and we have loads of fun.  I love my Auntie Cheryl.  She's a lot like Mom.  She even sounds like Mom and it's funny because sometimes they talk in unison.  That tickles my ears.

At the cabin, there are trees and birds and deer and squirrels and lots to watch from my post on the screen porch.  People there must really like dogs because I'm even allowed to go into "the bar" when Mom and Cheryl stop off for a burger.  Hey Mom?  How's about some share-sies on that burger with your Duke-ster?  Mom?  Mom?  You really shouldn't eat the whole...Jeesh.

Another place I really like is what Mom calls the "TW Ranch".  My Aunts Teresa and Wendy live there and are taken care of by my buddies Harrison and Rudy.  Rudy's a little crazy but his heart is in the right place.  He's just working through some issues from a tough puppyhood, from before he found his home at the ranch.  Harrison is a wise old guy with lots of dignity.  He even taught me how to use the dog door to go in and out whenever I want.  That's really cool!  The yard at the ranch is huge and has a fence to keep all the wild critters out.  I love that I can squeeze through the door and take a spin around the yard, even if Mom and Dad are busy hanging out with the Aunts.  I tried to tell Mom that we need a yard like that at our house and she said something about condos and lawnmowers that I didn't really follow.

I think I mentioned last time that I had started going to hang out with a pack some days while Mom went to work.  I still really dig that.  I don't really remember my old life but Mom and Dad think I must have been an only dog because I don't really ever want to play with other dogs at the park.  Seriously though, who would when there is a Frisbee to catch?  Anyway, at my new school I've started to play a little bit.  Nothing silly or undignified, of course, but sometimes there are these cute little ladies who ask to play a little....well, a gentleman can't tell a lady no, now can he?

And now as the weather turns cooler again, I remember all the awesome people who found me wandering, took me in, cared for me, and got me to my Forever Home.  A very special bark out to my foster dad, Barry, and the pack!  I hope you guys are all doing great.

Well there you have it.  12 months of happy and life is great.  It's good to be Duke.

High paw and peace out!

Duke

Monday, December 17, 2012

I love snow.  Love it.  LOVE IT.  Snow.  Oh my gosh, it's soooo cool.  So deep.  Plunge into it head first.  Swim in it.  Love it.  Snow!

Oh, hey all, Duke here.  It's been a while.  But I've been busy.  It snowed.  It's soooo great.  Mom and I went to the dog park and nobody had been there yet.  I got to swim under the snow, make tunnels, dig in and roll, roll, roll in it.  It's sooooo fun.  We played frisbee and I swear mom was intentionaly throwing it into the deep stuff.  I had to jump and vault and slide and sommersault through to catch the thing.  Mom laughed and laughed and I was a happy, happy dog.

Whew lots to catch up on.  Lots to report.  Mom and I went to visit my Auntie Cheryl back in November.   I like to ride in the car.  I sent a picture. Mom says it's my car because the interior matches my fur but I'm suspicious they bought it because it's green and gold like the Green Bay Packers.

Speaking of the Packers, sometimes mom and dad yell a lot.  They cheer and clap and scream and kick their feet in the air.  This worries me so I go and hide under the table.  But mom and dad call me back and pet me and tell me it's ok, even when the yelling starts again.  They think I will get used to it, but I don't know if I can because... I'm a Vikings fan.  Please don't tell mom and dad, they will be so disappointed!!  But a dog just can't help who is his, can he?

Our trip to Auntie Cheryl's was great, EXCEPT....OK, mom had promised when I adopted her never to dress me in crazy outfits or antlers or sweaters or anything like that.  She knew pretty quickly that the Duke-ster (that's me) was a man among dogs and that sequins or snowflakes would be almost as bad as that one trip to the vet. (The one of which we do not speak. Sssshhhhh! I can't stand it.)  Then, she broke her promise.  Yep, she did.  That happens with humans sometimes, though  us dogs find it hard to understand. Anyway, Mom claimed her excuse was safety, something about deer hunting and what if I got out and not wanting me to get shot.  Yeah, I can be down with not getting shot.  I'm including a picture.  I have to admit I look pretty dapper in my blaze orange and I got a lot of compliments.  So I guess I pretty much forgave her since she had my welfare in mind.   But if she comes at me with sequins, we may need to have a discussion.  Just saying.

My auntie Cheryl likes me a lot.  She wanted to keep me but mom says she would give her anything, but not her Duke.  It was a little chilly at the house though so I found a blanket.  Photo included.

We went to Autie Chery's house again at Thanksgiving and I met my Uncle Charlie. He's the best.  He took me in his pickup truck and I got to ride shotgun. He put the window down so I could put my nose out and we went to the bank where they gave me treats.  He really wants a dog but mom told him to get his own.  He said something about mom getting totally lucky with me and she agreed and said he still couldn't have me.

In other news....I barked.  Three times one day.  I haven't done that in a really long time.  It was early, still dark out and mom had to go outside.  So I went with her.  Well, all of sudden this man came out of the building across the street and came right toward us really fast.  I barked and growled and let him know I would defend my mom.  Turns out he was just crossing the street to head off to work but how was I supposed to know that?  Anyway, mom said sorry and he didn't seem too upset, and hey, I was just doing my job.

One day mom took me to a place with a bunch of dogs and she just left me there.  Oh, man, if looks could kill.  I shot her a "really? this is it?" as she was walking out the door.  She looked really sad for a second but then off she went.  Well, it turns out it wasn't that bad.  There were a bunch of dogs and we got to run around and play all day long.  The people pet me and give me treats and clean up what some of those other doggies do.   And then, I didn't think it was going to happen, but mom came back and took me home.  Ok, Duke-ster, I said to myself, this is cool.  Dogs all day, people with treats, and mom and dad on the couch at night.  Mom takes me a few times a week now.

So lately mom is gone more.  Something about going to work.  Whateves.  I get to go to visit those other dogs and at night we still play frisbee and lay on the couch.

Bottom line, life is good.  Really good.

Whew, I'm wiped.  Caught some serious flying squirrel at the park this afternoon.  Time to settle onto my bed and saw some logs.  Oh, come on!  I do not snore!  Seriously, why does that keep coming up?

Mom and Dad say we are going traveling at Christmas and I get to see Auntie Cheryl and Uncle Charlie.  Can't wait! 

Till then, enjoy the snow!  High paw, peace out!

Duke.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Hey Ragom friends, it's Duke again.

Whew, busy, busy couple of weeks getting Mom and Dad all broken in. I have to admit things are going pretty darn well. My new parents really are pretty cute and cuddly and I have to wonder why no dog adopted them before. But, no accounting for taste and they are mine now. They really seem to need a lot of hugs and attention so I'm careful to always be nearby and to make sure they know I love them.

The big news for today is that I finally got Mom and Dad to understand that I really like to catch a Frisbee. I mean, it's ok (Mom) if you throw it poorly and I have to pick it up off the ground. I don't mind running it back to you so you can try again. But what I really, really enjoy is when Dad throws it high and soft and I can catch it on the run. Then I get to do a victory lap and maybe even sit down for a bit and roll on the Frisbee. We found a big soft patch of grass to play on these last couple of days and wow were my feet green by the time Mom and Dad got tired and we had to go home.

Over the weekend, Mom and I went visiting. We took a long car ride and went to lots of new places that I had to check out. But I just did my reconnaissance and then settled down for a nap. (No, I do not snore. Jeesh.) We met new people and they all really liked me. Of course. Everyone says they can't believe what a good dog I am and they tell Mom she won the lottery. A few people offered to keep me but Mom wasn't letting go of the leash.

Oh and we started Obediance Training. It's cool I guess. I got lots and lots of treats. I tried really hard to listen and do what Mom was asking. But honestly, with all those new dogs and people and noise and stuff going on, it was really hard to concentrate. Then Dad started asking me to do things just when that puppy was coming over to introduce himself and I ignored Dad completely. Sorry Pops, I'll try to do better next time. 


I'm still hating the Gentle Leader so it's a good thing it only took Mom a couple of days to get the dog park thing worked out. We've gone almost every day since then. I have met a number of nice dogs and some pretty nice people, though some folks are a little picky about picking up my ball and throwing it for me. I hear the word "slobber" a lot but I don't know what that means. Sometimes other dogs steal my ball or my frisbee and I have to chase them to get it back. Mom thinks that is funny for some reason.

Oh, wow, look at the time. I need to get Mom out for her exercise and then we are going to visit my friend Kobe at his house. Kobe's Dad says he's a Schnoodle something or other but I think he looks like a regular dog.

Oh and I want to send a major bark-out to the nice lady who first found me and took me in. You know who you are. Those were tough times for me and you got me through. If it weren't for you, my Mom and Dad might still be alone in the world without a dog to look after them. Hugs, wags and kisses to you.

Until next time. High paw and peace out!
Duke

Saturday, October 27, 2012

From Duke, now with his forever family...

Hey everyone, this is Duke sending you all an update on the last four days. Wow, have things changed! There I was at my FD's house with my pack around me, playing in the yard with Rocket and teaching that upstart Rusty the ropes and then these people showed up. I wasn't sure what to think but they sure seemed to like me, but then again, who wouldn't, seriously? Since they liked me, I decided they must be pretty smart and we made friends.

Well, the next day, the funniest thing happened. The same lady showed up and spent about an hour talking to my FD, petting me and saying hi to the pack. Then, she showed me the back of her stationwagon with a great big fluffy, new dog bed and FD said it was ok to jump in. I have to admit it felt pretty nice and I made myself at home. Then FD said good-bye, Rocket barked out the window, the lady got in the car and we drove away.

It was a long ride but I just watched out the window and enjoyed the view. We got to my new home and went inside for a little while to check it out. Then, we went for a walk. A really long walk. I heard my new Mom say we went 8 miles, whatever that means. And there were squirrels and other dogs and people and my new Mom and Dad had to really hold on because I had places to go and scents to find and trees to check out. I thought they might have given me a really old mom and dad because they wanted to go slow, slow, slow all the time and in a straight line. Bore-Ring! But I pulled them along with me and we got around the lake three times. Then it was home for dinner and some time on the sofa with Mom - she laid on the sofa and I laid on her. I think she was tired. Finally, I put Mom and Dad to bed, climbed into my kennel on another big, soft, new dog bed and went to sleep.

Day 2 was another busy day. Right after breakfast we went to the pet store. Mom and Dad bought me a jingly tag for my collar and some treats. That all seemed fine. But then they got mean. The pet store lady showed them how to put this nasty, terrible thing on my nose and around my head. She said it's called a "Gentle Leader" but I hate it. The pet store lady said I'll get used to it and truth is once we got about a quarter mile into our walk, I forgot to curl up and try to pull it off with my front paws. Mom and Dad even ran with me a little bit. Maybe they aren't so old and slow as I thought. We went for 3 walks/runs and I got to run really fast with Dad at the end so that was fun.

Yesterday was Day 3. Mom and I went for a walk after breakfast. I wore that awful leader and Mom had to pull my paws off my nose and keep me distracted with treats, but it was better than the day before. I didn't care about the sleet and snow, but it seemed to keep Mom moving faster so that was great. Then, the best thing in the world happened. We went to the dog park. Due to the rain and weather, there was only one dog in the whole park. We met through the fence and I liked him fine. That dog's Dad said we should try the park and see how I did, so we did. I loved it. Mom took that crazy leader off my nose and I ran and ran and ran. Another dog came and I liked him fine, too. I found a ball for Mom and we played fetch FOR-EVER. Then Mom took me for a nail trim and ear cleaning. It wasn't too bad.

Later, Dad took me running. Really running. He's fast like a dog, even. After that I fell asleep with Dad on the sofa. I do not snore and I don't know why they keep saying I do. But, needless to say, I was pretty wiped out. Mom needed a walk before bed so I took her out and tried my best, but honestly, I just wanted my crate.

And that brings us to today. First thing after breakfast this morning the door bell rang. I gave three big barks to let Mom and Dad know someone was here, then I headed for my crate. Mom laughed and said now they know what I sound like. I guess I make a lot of small moans and sighs but I really almost never bark. After the visitor left, Mom and I walked around the lake in that stupid leader (I see squirrels and can't run after them! What good is that!) and we found the dog park again. Mom sure does like to play fetch. This afternoon, Mom and I took a nap on the sofa. Now Mom and Dad are heading out for dinner and I'm staying in my crate. They'll come home and we'll go for a walk later. I'll be pretty glad to see them. They sure seem to like me and I just can't resist their cute little faces and those big eyes that need love.

So there you have it. I'm getting attached, just can't seem to help it. I can't imagine how they got along without me. But, thanks to Ragom and all the volunteers, I'm here now to take care of them and to make sure Mom exercises. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.

That's all for now. High paw and peace out.

Duke

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Since the last update Duke has settled in and has become a very affectionate boy. He will come and demand hugs! "Sit" is working well and he has settled in.

I enlarged the fenced area that I have and Duke loves it. He can finally really run. The first time out in the much larger area , Duke got the zoomies and did laps around the whole area for 20 minutes or more. Duke's foster brother Rocket joined in the running and playing chase. This past weekend I got another [temp] foster dog named Rusty. He is only a year old. Duke and Rusty and Rocket play and run for hours now.

On Monday 10/22/2012 Duke had visitors. Duke poured on the charm by giving them both hugs. It worked!!! Today they came back and adopted him. Thank you so much Cirsten and Jason