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We lost Duke due to some health issues yesterday having been with us since 2008. He was in the LA Animal Shelter for 3 months and on the list to be put down when we rescued him. He had a rough past and was very traumatized from what happened, but we saw a wonderful spirit in him and took him home with us. Duke blossomed from a shy dog afraid to walk down a busy street to a loving, loyal and confident dog and loved to go everywhere with us. We are heartbroken to have lost him but we gave him 7 amazing years and in the past 10 days he’s been able to see so much of this great country (he loved putting his head on the dash and watching the road go by).
We put together this short video as a tribute to Duke and some of the great times we had with him.
Dogs are my life…they really are…i have lost too many over the years…i know the complete heartache at loss of them…i have 2 now, and life is so much better with them..(mostly) lol…great tribute to duke…kudos….bill.z
my condolences to the Russos! I love reading about Duke in their book. I have lost several dogs over the years and as painful has it has been, I find joy in rescuing others because each one gives me a different charge on life!
Thank you so much Wynn.
A beautiful tribute to Duke. RIP, Duke. I am sorry for your loss.
Tom Riley
JOJO. So sorry to read about Duke. Great video. May he rest in peace. Hope you guys are having a wonderful adventure.
Beetle! Thanks for that. We are having a great time – “retirement” is everything it’s cracked up to be!
I read every word of your September Journal; it is WONDERFUL! FASCINATING!
I truly hope that when your journey ultimately concludes, that together, you will write a book from all your notes. It ought to be a big seller!
We were up in Walla Walla when you lost Duke, so I am just now learning about his passing. From one who well understands the loss of “Man’s Best Friend,” my heart aches for both of you. This is such a loving tribute to him that you’ve created. Hang on to all the wonderful memories you’ve made over the years, and may they serve to bring you comfort. He was blessed to be rescued by you! May there be only happiness in the miles that lie ahead! Warm hugs, Rusty
Thank you Rusty for the kind words. Duke was an incredible, loving dog and we miss him dearly. We are making the most of each day with our other dog Leo, who seems to be thriving as an “only child”. It means a lot that you went through our entire journal and found it so fascinating – who knows, maybe a book is in our future.
So sorry to hear about your dog, pet death is the worst!
Thank you, its been tough but we have some great memories with him. Sorry you didn’t get a chance to meet him.
Ok, you had the tears just rolling down my cheeks.
I am so sorry Duke had to say goodbye. I lost my Big Boy #2 while you lost a member of your family.
I love you both. Please give Leo, my Big Boy #3 a hug from me.
Aunt Jan
So sorry to hear about Duke. Glad I got to meet him when we did and scratch his head. Our thoughts are with you guys.
Thank you Jason, very much appreciated. Glad you got to meet him as well!
RIP duke ; (