SHAK determined to find new home for '˜gorgeous boy' Duke

SHAK is looking for a loving new home for one of the dogs in its care, who was found as a stray and will thrive in a household environment.

When Duke arrived at SHAK last year, he was frightened and grumbly, and he has found life at the kennels a bit tough.

So the sanctuary is determined to find new owners for this ‘gorgeous boy’, who will ‘give him the chance he has so longed for’.

SHAK founder Stephen Wylie said: “One of our out-of-hours team picked him up and although it was never confirmed, there was mention of somebody who owned a dog committing suicide in the area he was found. We will never know if Duke was connected, but he was wearing a harness with a tag on it when he was found. It simply said Duke, no address or contact number.

“Fast forward a bit and Duke still continues to mumble at times and he’s kept himself to himself since he arrived.

“A couple of weeks ago, he had a little health scare and I was given the task of getting him to the vets.

“Grumbling as I muzzled him, I thought I was going to be in for a real adventure. However, like so many other times, Duke was the exact opposite and seeing him getting a hug from the vet nurse was just great to see.

“So when Brad and Amy (from the SHAK team) offered to take another dog home for a couple of nights, I had an idea.”

Amy said: “After Duke’s experience at the vet, we knew we had to give him a chance to find out the real Duke in a home environment. We were apprehensive about taking him for a few nights, but he soon made sure that wasn’t the case and left us at ease.

“Duke was an absolute pleasure to have with us, a completely different dog from the Duke we knew from the kennels.

“Craving attention, enjoying our company and numerous bum scratches! Duke is pretty stubborn and likes to do things on his terms (typical male), however with the right approach and time given to Duke, he’s happy to try things your way.

“Seeing Duke in a different light is absolutely lovely, yet sad at the same time, because kennel life just isn’t for him, yet he’s still here living at SHAK.

“Duke needs someone to give him a chance and I’m determined to help find someone for him. There’s someone for everyone and you could help give Duke that chance he has so longed for.

“So we are now all determined to find this gorgeous boy a home. We will never know if the story he potentially was a part of is true, but if it is, it is the least he deserves.”

To help Duke, send an email to [email protected]