Duke VIII

Meet Duke <br/><br/>Estimated age is between 4-6 years old.<br/><br/>Duke's story started with someone leaving him in the woods with a blanket and some treats.<br/><br/>That's it.<br/><br/>Thankfully, he was found and made his way to a shelter before landing in a foster home. Unfortunately, things didn't get easier from there. Duke was attacked by a male dog in that home, and despite not fighting back, he ended up back at the shelter. The shelter environment was incredibly stressful for him, and by the time he came into rescue, it was pretty clear this big guy had been through it.<br/><br/>But Duke has come a LONG way.<br/><br/>He's about 75 pounds of "please pet me immediately" and firmly believes every lap was designed specifically for him. He loves people, happily rolls over for belly rubs, and if you stop petting him before he's decided you're finished, expect a giant paw to remind you of your responsibilities.<br/><br/>Duke also has emotional support toys.<br/><br/>No, seriously.<br/><br/>He almost always has a toy in his mouth. He doesn't even necessarily need you to play with him. Sometimes he just needs to carry his little emotional support item around while handling his daily Duke business. He also has a blankie that he'll carry around and occasionally suckle on, which is pretty damn adorable coming from a 75-pound dog.<br/><br/>He loves car rides, frozen treats, toys, belly rubs and any opportunity to attack the hose or sprinkler. Turn on the water and suddenly this giant lap dog becomes a kid running through the sprinkler on summer break.<br/><br/>Duke is house trained and knows sit, down, stay, come, paw and off. He's working on his leash manners and is a smart boy who redirects well in many situations.<br/><br/>There are a few things his future family will need to understand.<br/><br/>Duke can be leash reactive when he sees other dogs. Hearing them from a distance is much easier for him, but seeing another dog can get him excited quickly. He'll need someone willing to continue working with him and, for now, choosing quieter times and places for walks will help set him up for success.<br/><br/>He's also formally submitted his resignation from crate life.<br/><br/>Duke can Houdini himself right out of a regular crate, but here's the good news: he's house trained, isn't destructive and does very well when given his own gated room instead. He'll even sleep in his crate all night as long as the door stays open. Apparently Duke's issue isn't the accommodations. It's management locking the door.<br/><br/>He initially struggled with separation anxiety, but that has improved tremendously. He can now be left alone successfully. If you're home, however, he would like to be included in whatever you're doing. Please refer back to his official title of Giant Shadow.<br/><br/>Duke has lived with dogs previously, but after being attacked in his former foster home, we want any future canine relationship handled thoughtfully. He may be able to live with another dog with slow, careful introductions and a family committed to setting everyone up for success. Cats are currently unknown.<br/><br/>He has done well with older kids, but Duke is a big dude who doesn't always realize just how much Duke there is. He's not much of a jumper, but he will climb into your lap and throw a giant paw at you when the petting service becomes inadequate.<br/><br/>Duke also came into foster care with pretty rough skin from allergies and likely from conditions he experienced before rescue. With regular baths and a daily allergy medication, his skin has improved tremendously and is now pretty much back to normal.<br/><br/>His ideal family doesn't need a perfect dog. They need to appreciate the really good dog that's already here and be willing to keep helping him build confidence.<br/><br/>Because underneath all the stress Duke carried out of that shelter is a goofy, affectionate, toy-carrying, sprinkler-loving giant baby who just wants to be wherever his people are.<br/><br/>We're looking for the person who's going to give him something much better this time.<br/><br/>A home he never has to leave.<br/><br/>Apply to adopt Duke at rescueapittie.org.

Meet Duke

Estimated age is between 4-6 years old.

Duke's story started with someone leaving him in the woods with a blanket and some treats.

That's it.

Thankfully, he was found and made his way to a shelter before landing in a foster home. Unfortunately, things didn't get easier from there. Duke was attacked by a male dog in that home, and despite not fighting back, he ended up back at the shelter. The shelter environment was incredibly stressful for him, and by the time he came into rescue, it was pretty clear this big guy had been through it.

But Duke has come a LONG way.

He's about 75 pounds of "please pet me immediately" and firmly believes every lap was designed specifically for him. He loves people, happily rolls over for belly rubs, and if you stop petting him before he's decided you're finished, expect a giant paw to remind you of your responsibilities.

Duke also has emotional support toys.

No, seriously.

He almost always has a toy in h

Meet Duke

Estimated age is between 4-6 years old.

Duke's story started with someone leaving him in the woods with a blanket and some treats.

That's it.

Thankfully, he was found and made his way to a shelter before landing in a foster home. Unfortunately, things didn't get easier from there. Duke was attacked by a male dog in that home, and despite not fighting back, he ended up back at the shelter. The shelter environment was incredibly stressful for him, and by the time he came into rescue, it was pretty clear this big guy had been through it.

But Duke has come a LONG way.

He's about 75 pounds of "please pet me immediately" and firmly believes every lap was designed specifically for him. He loves people, happily rolls over for belly rubs, and if you stop petting him before he's decided you're finished, expect a giant paw to remind you of your responsibilities.

Duke also has emotional support toys.

No, seriously.

He almost always has a toy in his mouth. He doesn't even necessarily need you to play with him. Sometimes he just needs to carry his little emotional support item around while handling his daily Duke business. He also has a blankie that he'll carry around and occasionally suckle on, which is pretty damn adorable coming from a 75-pound dog.

He loves car rides, frozen treats, toys, belly rubs and any opportunity to attac