Adopted September 21, 2020

Duke was originally from North Carolina and grew up on a Marine Base there.  The couple who owned him divorced and Duke moved to New England with the wife.  Unfortunately, at that time Duke started experiencing significant weight loss, and her Vet suspected EPI, or Pancreatic Enzyme Insufficiency.  He was coughing sporadically throughout the day and became lethargic. She knew that she just couldn’t afford all the testing and to give Duke what he needs.  

Along came a wonderful couple with two young boys and a chocolate lab in their home.  They heard about Duke and stepped forward to help him. They took him for all the medical testing, learned that he doesn’t have EPI, and got this handsome boy all the medical attention he needed to get healthy.  He is now on a hydro-protein diet and apoquel for allergies. They  always knew their home would not be Duke’s forever home. They knew Duke needed a calmer household after seeing how anxious and protective he was with their two young, roughhousing twin boys.  They reached out to GSRNE for help in finding him his perfect home.  

When we met Duke we knew immediately that he was a great dog!  He loved children, went to doggie day care, lived with cats, and had obedience training.  We were grateful to help.  Even though we didn’t have any open foster homes at the time we did have an approved to adopt (newly) retired couple that originally wanted a dog no older than 2.  But, when we sent a video of 5year old Duke in the swimming pool, they thought Duke was beautiful and became interested in fostering him to possibly adopt.  A week later Duke was welcomed into their home.  It has been about 5 weeks now and the only thing that was holding up Duke’s adoption was his photo shoot. As you can see by these gorgeous photos, that happened last week.  

Duke wasn’t eating much of the Hydrolyzed protein kibble until his foster Dad started cooking chicken for him and putting a small amount, plus some broth, on each meal.  Now, Duke is eating it with enthusiasm and has put on a little weight….he’s now 96 pounds!  His foster parents are amazed at how quickly Duke learns new words and activities.  There is no sign of the anxiety he used to display in his previous home, and he keeps an eye on his foster Dad and follows wherever he goes.  His foster parents tell us they couldn’t have asked for a better companion and have asked to become his forever home.  We are so glad Duke is doing so well!