This week’s Arlington Pet of the Week is Duke, a 14-year-old beagle who has accompanied his owner through a host of life changes.
Here’s what Duke’s owner, Marissa, had to say about him:
This is Duke! Duke is originally from Myrtle Beach, SC. I adopted him from the Humane Society when he was around 8 weeks old and I was living by myself down there looking for a pet to keep me company. I never asked where he came from, but it looked like he had a rough life as a puppy; he was very sick and it looked like someone had cut one of his ears. He’s a small beagle, so my theory was he was the runt of the litter and dropped off at the shelter. Being from a beach town, you would think he likes the water but he actually hates it; he doesn’t even like to walk on wet sand.
Duke loves to play hide and seek, chase the neighborhood cats, sit by the baby’s high chair waiting for food to fall, sleep, eat, and snuggle in bed with me every night. One of my favorite memories is in one of the pics; he used to love snuggling against my pregnant belly. His ears are soft as velvet and he still has that new puppy smell, one of my favorite smells!
14 years later, Duke has now lived with me in 8 different houses and has been my best friend through many life changes: lots of moving, marriage and two children. He has some anxiety so he is like my shadow, following me from room to room, never wanting to be alone. He has lost some of his hearing but he is still super healthy! I always believe that everything happens for a reason and I definitely do think Duke and me meeting at that shelter was meant to be. Every year his birthday is a bittersweet celebration. It makes me sad knowing he is getting older, but I always feel blessed for having him in my life for so many years!
Want your pet to be considered for the Arlington Pet of the Week? Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Please don’t send vertical photos, they don’t fit in our photo galleries!
Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks. Becky’s Pet Care is the winner of six consecutive Angie’s List Super Service Awards, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year and a proud supporter of the Arlington County Pawsitively Prepared Campaign.
Becky’s Pet Care provides professional dog walking and pet sitting in Arlington and all of Northern Virginia, as well as PetPrep training courses for Pet Care, CPR and emergency preparedness.