The status of Duke was
last posted on 01/09/25 by
Live. Love. Bark.
Male Dog, Shepherd
Shepherd / Mixed (Medium Coat)
Description:
Meet Duke! Duke was rescued by Good Samaritan who saw a social media post from his owner threatening to shoot him if someone didn’t come get him because he had eaten one of their chickens. When they went to retrieve Duke they found him being kept in a tiny crate, emaciated, with inflamed skin and large patches of his coat missing. On intake, Duke weighed only 38lbs and was miserable from his skin infections. Now, his gorgeous, unique coat is growing back in and he weighs over 60lbs! Duke has been in his local foster home for two months, living with a foster mom and dad, two kids, two dogs, and two cats. He’s acclimated well to home life and has excellent house manners. He’s crate trained, housetrained (not had a single accident), and has learned the joy of soft surfaces, fluffy dog beds, and toys. He seems very happy now and loves being part of a family. He’s also learned multiple basic commands: ‘wait’ when he’s being fed, ‘sit,’ ‘lay down,’ and ‘stay,’ and has been in training to improve his leash skills. Around his family, Duke is comfortable and affectionate. He loves his foster parents, is good with the kids, and has learned how to adapt his play for his tiniest dog buddy, Gus. Gus always initiates play and likes to chase and be chased. Duke has learned to tone down his playstyle to suit his little buddy, and they have become good friends and snuggle buddies. Once Duke knows you, he loves you. With new people, like many Shepherds, he needs a little time to trust and understand they are safe. His foster family keeps him on a leash when strangers visit to make sure he's following their lead. Like many dogs who have been isolated, Duke gets excited about new things and new people. He's a very good-natured boy who needs a leader who understands the shepherd breed to guide him and work with him. Duke learns and benefits from repeated exposure to new things. We checked in with his foster mom, Lexi for an update: "Duke is doing well. We took some time to fully integrate him with our dogs, giving them all the time and space to feel comfortable. Duke was good with the cats right away and has learned how to play with Gus, who is 1/4 his size. They have become such buddies. They’re an odd couple when it comes to playing but they are making it work. The kids like him too though they don’t find him as exciting as Gus does. Duke's joys in life are food, playing with Gus and his toys, going for walks, snuggling on the couch, and, of course, a good long nap on a comfy couch or bed. His personality is very sweet, and he's a cuddler!! He loves getting attention from anyone who’s around. Duke’s energy level is medium. Although he’s no longer starved, he is always looking for food! It’s impossible to go in the kitchen without him — our little sous chef! He likes to be part of what you are doing." ******** Duke has done formal training for leash skills and basic obedience and made good strides. He's currently learning how to greet guests and stay calm in more exciting, busy situations. Good boy, Duke!❤️ This handsome, resilient boy has made a pretty remarkable transition to family life as an indoor dog and is ready to go home. We think a calm home and community and a loving family with the time to spend with this precious pup are the best fit for him. Apply today! BREED ESTIMATE: Shepherd Mix GENDER: Male APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 60 lbs APPROXIMATE AGE: ~ 5 years old COAT TYPE: Medium coat ADOPTION FEE: $425 OTHER INFO: utd on shots/neutered/microchipped LOCATION: Frederick, MD FOR MORE INFO OR TO ADOPT: Please go to https://adopt.worthydog.org and complete the application. You can also help save dogs like this one by becoming a foster, providing a rescue dog with a temporary home and giving them the love and care they need until they are permanently adopted. Every person who fosters is directly responsible for saving the life of a dog, because we can only save as many dogs as we have foster families available to welcome them into their homes. If you think you might be interested in becoming a foster and want to learn more, please go to https://foster.worthydog.org and fill out an application. Worthy Dog Rescue is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue that primarily adopts to families in the DC Metro area.
