Sunday, December 5, 2010

DUKE


oil on canvas 8x10 sold
Do you remember Trooper (seen here)? Trooper's family rescued Duke and he has a story to tell, as well.

Duke was discovered one stormy night, when my client received a phone call from her boss. Duke had wandered onto his property and was attacked by several of his boxers. Her boss placed Duke safely in a horse stall and called her because he knew she rescued animals. She and her husband drove over immediately and discovered Duke huddled in a corner of the horse stall, covered in blood and shaking from both the thunder and lightening and the recent attack. It was obvious Duke was hurting bad, he whimpered and cried, but never once bit either of them. He was placed way in the back of the SUV where she held and comforted him, all 65 malnourished, covered in ticks and fleas pounds of him. During the car ride to the Emergency Vet, Duke never stopped licking her hand. It was discovered that Duke was heart worm positive and had numerous lacerations and puncture wounds all over his body.

As he was healing, he was given the name Duke, fliers were put out in the area where he was found, but no one came to claim him. My clients decided that because of his submissive, almost frightened personality, they did not think it wise to foster or adopt him out, it would be best for them to keep him. They simply did not want to traumatize him further and besides, they were in love with his sweet demeanor. Duke was home!

Duke lived with his new family for 9 years, he recently passed away from Pancreatic Cancer. They are not sure how old Duke actually was, he was the best dog ever, never once harming the numerous cats and dogs they owned. For 9 years his family loved him and he loved them. One of Duke's favorite thing was to spend hours and hours roaming the pastures and chasing and "treeing" squirrels. Duke got along with all of the family pets, even the cats, which apparently on cold winter nights, Duke could be found with all the cats huddled close to him keeping warm; Duke was home!

15 comments:

Linda Popple said...

What a sweet story. Duke's family is very special. Your painting portrays an incredibly sweet and loving dog.

martinealison said...

Magnifique ce récit concernant Duke. Paix sur lui à présent... Beaucoup d'amour dans le regard de ce chien. Bel hommage que votre peinture remplie de générosité.
Ma chienne aussi est partie d'un cancer du pancréas... mais elle, le début de sa vie n'avait pas été marquée par du malheur comme ce brave Duke.
Bisous

Unknown said...

Wonderful painting Angela, Duke looks a firendly dog.

Ann Rogers said...

Beautiful story as well as a beautiful portrait!

carol morgan carmichael said...

You have done Duke proud! Beautiful story and portrait!

Dana Cooper said...

What a sweet, sweet story Angela and your painting of Duke is wonderful!

Carol Horzempa said...

Beautiful portrait and story, Angela! You really captured his loving spirit in the portrait.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Now you made me cry this morning...sniff sniff...gorgeous painting Angela...I think you captured this lovely dog's personality perfectly!!!

Vern Schwarz said...

Love your painting of Duke. He sounds like a great dog.

Pattie Wall said...

What a sweet, heartwarming story about Duke. He is so handsome in your painting. What a nice tribute!

Art with Liz said...

Ah Angela, what a wonderful family, a special dog and a beautiful painting of Duke. Made me teary eyed when I read of his trials before finding his family.

Gwen Bell said...

Such a wonderful portrait and moving story! What angels his owners are to have given him love and security for the rest of his life. The hard times show on his face, but his heart shines through his big brown eyes.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Lovely painting and beautiful post/story. Thanks so much for sharing.

Lorraine Shirkus said...

Your portrait of Duke looks exactly as you write about him. You captured a wonderful personality with your paint and brush and your words!

hmuxo said...

What a story!!! I love the way you captured his sweet personality! Well done.