The Face of Compassion- A Tribute to My Dog Duke
Posted: Sunday, November 09, 2008
by Val Silver
TapInfinity
So many times when we think of someone being compassionate we think of an act of one person to another. Perhaps we think of God. I want to tell you about someone else, my dog Duke.
Duke knows about compassion. He was rescued by my son and carried home in a newspaper sack fourteen years and 60 pounds ago. I was determined not to have another dog, but how could I turn away this pup, obviously ill, with his hip bones and ribs showing? He'd sit in my lap, too weak to eat all but a bit of chicken. A kitchen sink bath later it became obvious that all five pounds of him was being eaten alive by hundreds of fleas. The next morning we were greeted by a wagging tail and a big appetite. And so despite my protests, the tears won out and Duke became a member of the family.
Now, Duke is not perfect, and he definitely was not delighted when Lou joined our family nine years ago. He gave me that "you have got to be kidding" look as he stomped around the yard in disgust. Yet they have become close and it amazes us how Duke has cared for Lou, even when that care has been abused.
One year, while visiting family for the holidays, Duke was playing with the only available toy as Lou sat watching, bored. Duke noticed this and despite knowing what was about to happen, he took the toy and hung it out of the corner of his mouth so that Lou could grab on. As usual, Lou ripped the toy out of Duke's mouth and ran off, leaving Duke toy-less. Duke accepted this and found something else to do as his audience of on-lookers sang his praises.
He topped this amazing act a few summers ago when we were down to the lake swimming. Duke is a natural water dog and loved to swim out and retrieve sticks. Lou can barely swim to save his life and won't venture far. I threw each dog a stick, but Lou's went a little too far. To Duke's delight, he possessed both sticks, but not for long. In characteristic fashion, Duke noticed as Lou looked longingly at the sticks. I watched in awe as Duke gave one of the sticks a push with his mouth towards the shore. Lou eagerly grabbed it, and yes, he eventually ended up commanding both sticks.
No doubt there are many other ways and times Duke has cared for Lou and all of us. Now it is again our turn to care for Duke and to act with compassion. The vet says he has cancer and maybe a few more weeks. It's painful to imagine our lives without this dog who has given much while often being taken for granted. I used to think we rescued him, but the truth is that in so many ways he rescued us. Whether it was coincidence or an act of the Divine that made him follow my son that day, I am grateful to have shared my life with this wise old soul, and will always hold a place for him in my heart.
We will miss you, Duke.
Duke and Lou playing tug-o-war (that really is Lou's head whirring)
Note: One of Duke's foibles is "stealing" items. If you would like to see him with his stolen antler there is a short video at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9slWb_oYxE
This Article has been viewed 857 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
More commentsDear Val,I am sorry that Duke has to leave you now. Thank you for sharing a bit of his life and your love for him with us all.DianneHi Dianne,
Thanks for writing. I'm hoping the cancer is less aggressive than the vet thinks and he'll still be with us for the holidays. Val
Mom,Exellent Tribute, I don't think I could have portrayed it any better myself.
Very good article about man's best friend. Loyalty, love, dedication and when you have a pet like that what can one say. They are part of the family and when they pass or are sick you hurt. Good job.That's the truth. We can all learn a few things from our pets. And yes, we do miss them. Thanks for writing, VAL
Really enjoyed reading this. Makes me want to make time to adopt a pet.Hi James,I'm so happy to hear that! There are so many wonderful animals in need of homes. VAL
Very touchy Val...Good writing...I like when people write emotions...I saw the video too...very nice...God BlessHi Candles,Thanks for commenting. Glad you watched the little video so you can get a glimpse of his personality. VAL
This was a wonderful article and story of Duke! I am familiar with the love people have for their pets; they are part of the family as well!Thank you Ronyae for your kind comments. Val
Val, I read this article and didn't respond. My conscious is bothering me because of it. We had a "Duke" when I was a child. You brought back some painful and happy memories of "Rex." You did Duke well in this tribute. Thank you for sharing him.Hi Avis,
These dogs we love do fill us with bittersweet memories that stay with us. I think we are better people because we had them in our lives and hold those memories. Thanks for your kind words and thanks for commenting even tho it was hard for you. VAL
I thoroughly enjoyed this article and it actually made tears well up in my eyes. Dogs are precious animals. I've said, and believe, that God gave us dogs for an example. They have unwavering love, will thank you for all you do for them even if it includes neglect. Some breeds have been manipulated to the extent they have lost some of their natural atributes. It causes me to shudder when I see one abused or neglected. Thank you for sharing this.Hi Joel,
I totally agree. There's an old saying that GOD is DOG spelled backwards. I don't think that's a coincidence. It's my hope that this article will "make the rounds" and many people will be reminded what a gift a dog is, and hopefully may rescue or adopt a shelter dog as a result. I can't think of any better way to add meaning to an already meaningful life. Thanks for writing. VAL
I was touched with your story. I too have learned to love my animals. I look forward to reading more of shat you have to say.Thanks Mr. Keith, they are easy to love, aren't they? Val
Val, this brought tears to this old cowboys eyes....I had a dog like duke, he was a collie, and his name was Cody....He also passed of cancer, and I felt so bad, as he was a really smart intelligent dog, that just wanted to spend his time with me, and my family, I now have another "rescue" dog, that is an Austrialian Shepard, who is also very intelligent, and I love him to death, but he too is sick....but all I can do is to make the rest of my time with him quality time....His name is Shilo....he's my pal, and I wrote a poem about him, I will attach it if you don't mind.....My Dog Shilo
To My Faithful Companion
Shilo my dog,
is faithful and true,
one eye of brown,
the other of blue,
An Australian Shepard,
is what he is,
A good ranch dog,
that is his biz.
He follows me always,
where-ever I go,
Sometimes he disappears,
to where I don’t know.
He is a great watchdog,
this is a fact,
around other animals,
knows how to act.
He is my friend,
the way a dog should be,
Always ever faithful,
To watch and protect me.
He goes in my truck,
where-ever I go,
He guards and protects it,
and puts on a good show!
He loves his biscuits,
and Pedigree food too,
When I go to feed him,
He tugs at my shoe.
Like saying, “Hurry up,
I’m always here for you”.
And if you feed me,
I’ll stop eating your shoe”!!
I love this wonderful dog,
this....best friend of mine,
I take him to the vet,
routine check ups, all of the time!
I want him to live,
the best life he can,
For he is my buddy,
this best friend to man!!
Great article Val, and thanks for sharing....your friend in pen, ....... GaryHi Gary, What a lovely poem, please publish it as an article- there are lots of folks who would love reading it and will identify with it. Dog truly is man's best friend. And yes, keep showing Shilo how loved and wanted he is.
Duke was "supposed" to pass by the end of November according to the vet's best guess- I mourned and wrote him this tribute. Well guess what? He's still with us. Yes he still has cancer and another condition. There was a really close call two weeks ago but he's still with us begging for food and attention. Only now he is REALLY spoiled and I wouldn't have it any other way. He's a wonderful dog.
All the best to you and Shilo. I'll be watching for that poem to be in print. Val
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