Farewell to Duke

Today is a sad day. My family had to have our dog, Duke, put to sleep. He was suffering from cancer of the liver and pancreas. The cancer has probably been growing for a while, but it was only discovered last month by the vet when Duke lost his energy and appetite. Surgery was an option, but at the stage it was discovered, it was a lost cause.

I'll always remember Duke as a big, playful, and loving companion. Whenever he saw you, he would always get so excited and try and jump all over you. Unfortunately, he never really learned his own size, and as he grew from puppy to a 100-lb fur-covered tank, he never quite learned how to be gentle in his greeting. Many a person was almost knocked to the ground by his enthusiastic reception to our home.

Duke loved being outside. Whenever I would visit home, I would make sure to take him for a walk in the park at least once. He loved our trips, especially when I would bring the soccer ball for him to chase around. For some reason, he would always use the bathroom in the same spot. I never figured out why. He was an obedient dog, and would never run away. He loved being home with the family as well, too. He would always be happy to be home and would run directly for the front door when we got back from our walks.

Duke was also known as a walking garbage disposal. I mean this dog would eat everything: fruits, vegetables, ice cubes, as well as his own food and doggie treats. He was never too full to eat anything. Just ask my mom, who on more than one occasion made the mistake of leaving food near the edge of the counter or table. Whatever food it was and whatever the quantity, it wouldn't last long once Duke got his paws on it. Of course, this habit came in handy whenever you would accidentally drop food on the floor. Whatever it was, Duke would lap that food right up, making the cleanup job much simpler.

I still remember one Christmas when my mom left a cake in our garage to cool. This wasn't any ordinary single layer cake straight from the Duncan Hines box; this thing was a holiday masterpiece. We're talking several layers of spongy angel food filled with fruit and whipped cream. It literally took hours to make. I also remember how quickly it took Duke to ruin the cake when I forgot about the cake and put him in the garage. My mom was SO mad! I felt really bad about it, but at the same time the look on Duke's whipped cream and cake-covered face nearly put me in a state of hysterical laughter. I was trying so hard to keep from laughing in front of my mom and look sorry at the same time. (I never told you this, Mom. I'm sorry!)

Duke lived a good life, albeit a short one (2001-2007). If there is a place where dogs go after their life on this world is over, I'm sure Duke is there romping around, eating the grass and knocking over all the other dogs.

So long, old friend. We'll miss you.