Tribute to Duke—1994-2006
The following tribute was written by Barbara Mattson, one of Duke's owners.
We lost Duke today. He was rescued at age ten just over two years ago and was a wonderful companion. We felt, of course, that we had always known him, from the moment we saw his rescue picture. His gentleness, kindness and nobility were indicative of the breed and apparent to everyone who met him. Photos of Duke and a new friend, Al, he had known for just ten minutes, are captured below:
Duke and his new pal, Al.
Duke and Al—the lovefest continues.
Duke made friends instantly with those who were willing to overlook a little drool, some fluffy tufts and a little heavy breathing to see the kind, gentle soul who just wanted to give and receive love. We brought him to Lancaster this year to be in the rescue parade but the travel and cancer we didn't know about that was growing in him wouldn't allow him to walk in the parade. Walking was one of Duke's greatest joys. We calculated that Duke walked a thousand miles while he lived with us.
Duke came to us from a no-kill shelter on Long Island. He was turned in because his family thought he was too old and wanted him put down. His age was listed as eight (although it turned out he was ten) and he seemed in good condition, so volunteer Penny Stubbmann rescued him. He was fostered by rescue volunteer Fran Cancelleri for a while and then NGPR's director, Barbara Mattson, who found his noble face very appealing, took him home with her after a trip to Long Island.
It didn't take long for Duke to become a permanent member of the family, making himself at home with Barbara and husband Tom Pletcher, NGPR's webmaster. At first they thought they had a unique specimen—a silent Pyr; but after six weeks he followed the lead of his step-sister, Sabrina, and found his true voice, surprising everyone with his deep baritone "woof". Duke was a wonderful pet and enjoyed his daily walks with Tom, who walked him and Sabrina 1.5 miles every day near their home in the Northern Catskill
mountains. Both dogs are pictured with Tom in the photo below, Duke on the left and Sabrina on the right. Duke loved being a mountain dog and reclining on the deck, shown
in these pictures, overlooking the valley. He was content—he had fulfilled his
destiny.
Duke, Tom and Sabrina.
We will miss you, Mr. Duke. You truly were the best of the breed.
