Duke

The shelter was very busy with visitors but a little lite on volunteers.  At 1:45 Duke, a Great Dane/Hound mix, just over a year old and with lots of energy  was more than eager to go since this was his first volunteer walk of the day.  One look at his sweet patient face and I knew he was my choice.  Confinement is stressful for most dogs but it is especially challenging for larger dogs (kennels seem relatively smaller).  For hounds, who love to wander, it must be even more difficult.  Duke met me at his back door up on his hind legs, wagging everything.  It took me just two times of telling him to stay back for him to back away from his door.  He quieted quickly; I easily got him harnessed and we were off. 

We started in the exercise yard with Duke happily trotting around and sniffing absolutely everything.  He is very affectionate, he comes when he is called with such eager joy, he nearly mows you down.  He sits on command but not consistently. I think that Duke will be much more able to focus on basic commands once the stress of confinement is lifted. Though there is lots of stress in his life at this time it is obvious that he is very gentle and affectionate, loves the company of other dogs (according to his profile, is also OK with cats), and stays mentally connected with you; all wonderful traits.

On our return we stopped once again in the exercise yard for a few final sniffs, etc.  By this time more volunteers had arrived so Duke saw other dogs on the other side of the fence.  Most of this yard visit was spent with Duke whining and wagging, hoping that the other dogs would come over. Duke is such a sweetie, let's hope he finds his forever home soon and that it includes other dogs and lots of exercise opportunities.