Entrant's First Name
Kim

Bio
Duke was adopted by me and my husband in August, 2014, when he was 4 years old. He came to Victoria SPCA from Nanaimo SPCA. When he arrived to Nanaimo branch, he had severe allergies, mange, open sores, and significant dietary issues. It took 6 months of rehabilitation, many vet visits, and a prescription diet to get him to the point where he even had hair on his body! When my husband and I adopted Duke, he had grown most of his hair back, but he continued to struggle with blisters and sores between his toes and on his belly. Duke required a nightly foot bath in antibacterial soap, and weekly full body baths, and regular wipes of his stomach area. Duke was very standoffish, and he questioned if we were truly his forever family. Duke had experienced a lot of trauma, and he didn't want to get attached to us in case we decided not to keep him. We knew he was our forever pup the second we met him! We just needed to convince him! We bathed his feet, kept him on his prescription diet, and checked in with our vet regularly. He was worth every penny of the ongoing vet care he required!!! Gradually over time, Duke began to get comfortable with us. We took him for ball throws in nearby fields daily, and long walks, once his feet began to heal. After a while, Duke no longer required daily foot baths, and he no longer needed prescription dog food! Duke continues to have ongoing struggles with his allergies, but we are confident that with our continued diligence with his diet, treats, and activity, he will continue to improve! That's why a calendar is a great coming out celebration for Duke's new and improved life and health!

Duke has many hobbies, which include long ball throws in open fields (Elk Lake is his favourite), swimming, cuddling in bed with his mom and dad (Me and my husband!), getting long belly rubs, and he loves baths now!

Duke's favourite snacks are whole sardines (no additives), carrots, and salmon skin!

Duke's daily routine consists of breakfast, a big morning adventure in the park, sleep, snack, sleep, long walk, sleep, play time (hopefully with other pups!), snack, and bedtime at 9pm. He climbs into his great big memory foam bed, and waits for his mom or dad to tuck him in (if we forget, he whines until he's covered). He sleeps a few hours, and then he crawls right in the middle of our bed, gets covered again, and sprawls out until he is comfortable (his comfort comes first) Then the same thing happens again the next day!

Duke has been such a gift to our family, and every day he brings us endless joy, love, and learning! We cannot thank the SPCA enough for taking such good care of him before we found him! We have since visited the Nanaimo SPCA, and Duke remembers them fondly! Every year, Duke plays Santa, and delivers dog food, and money to the SPCA to help other dogs like him! THANK YOU SPCA!

Species
dog