From Shelter Dog to Beloved Family Member: Duke’s Story

Scott and Alexa’s lives have changed a lot since adopting Duke from The WHS last April. There have been good times and not-so-good times, but the couple couldn’t be happier with their forever friend. Read about Duke’s story below, accompanied by photos from The WHS volunteer Jim Harvey.

Nobody believed Scott and Alexa were serious when they first showed off pictures of their new dog, Duke. It was April Fools Day, so everyone thought the big news of their adoption was a prank.

But Duke is very much real.

Scott and Alexa weren’t thinking of adopting a dog when they met Duke. They were just stopping by The Winnipeg Humane Society to “get their fix” of cute dogs. They did a lap around the building and saw many happy, playful dogs. But they were content just to look – until they saw Duke.

After seeing so many excited dogs, they were struck by the way Duke – a three-year-old Shar Pei – sat quietly and looked out the window in his door. They quickly decided they absolutely had to meet him, so they filled out the paperwork, and went to meet their future best friend.

When they brought him home the next day, it was a mix of emotions for Alexa. She was excited and nervous at the same time, and the nervousness only heightened as the day went on. But later that evening when Duke curled up on her chest to cuddle, she officially fell in love with him.

Owning a pet does comes with challenges, especially during the time when both animal and human are adjusting to living together. In his early days with Scott and Alexa, Duke proved to be quite the escape artist. One of his escape attempts happened as Alexa was trying to coax him into the car. He was nervous and didn’t want to get in, and as she tried to tug his leash forward, he slipped out of his collar.

Once he was free, Duke ran towards a major road. Alexa tried to chase after him, but she fell and scraped both knees. She started to cry, believing Duke was going to be hit by a car, and that would be the last time she ever saw him. When a kind stranger in the distance caught Duke and brought him back Alexa hugged him tightly, thrilled beyond belief to have him back unharmed.

It was an exercise in patience for everyone as Scott, Alexa, and Duke all navigated through the early days of their new life together. But with training, love, and time, Duke became a happy, well-adjusted dog with no desire to escape his loving home.

Scott and Alexa both grew up with dogs in their family, but Duke is their first adopted pet. And now after seeing how many wonderful dogs like Duke need good homes, neither of them would consider bringing home a dog from anywhere but a rescue.

Duke has completely become a member of their family. Scott and Alexa take him to as many places as they can. He goes to family dinners with them every Sunday, where he spends his time lounging with Alexa’s parents’ dog, Yoshi. He loves trips to Maple Grove Off-Leash Dog Park where he can run and play to his heart’s content, and he loves rides in the same car that once made him so nervous that he has tried to run away.

Scott and Alexa are excited to be spending their first holiday season with Duke. It’s always been a favourite time of year for them, and having Duke around will only make it better. The trio celebrate Chanukah, but Duke is so loved everyday, he might not realize anything special is going on. He’s constantly getting snuggles, attention, and love, just like he should.

Happy Chanukah, Duke! Cheers to your forever home.