I have very sad news.
I went to CP on Friday evening (9/17/2004) to pick up Duke. I went to see if I can adopt him as I have heard that he has heart condition and can not be adopted due to his health. Unfortunately, he was declining so fast - by Sunday he did not want to eat anything, did not walk, could not hold his bowl for more than two hours. I was caring him up and down so he could be by my side at all times. I carried him to go potty. He was breathing heavily and kept staring at me or at some point. I took him today in the morning to CP and he crossed the bridge peacefully in my arms bathed with my tears.

Duke was such a sweet boy. I picked him up at Blue Ribbon three months ago. The first time I saw him he looked so bad I thought this dog will never get adopted. I called him piglet for the first week. I stopped calling him that after 10 days - he changed dramaticly - his posture changed. Now he looked proud and tall. Duke loved to chew bones - even though his teeth were cut - he was shaving them with so much devotion - there were none strong or big enough bones he could not chew within a day. The rest of the day he played with my dog and one more Rottie female at the big field. I was taking him to the field twice a day to run free and chase with Damon. They loved each other - Duke had run of the house - never had any accidents - never tried to put his teeth on things other than toys - always perfect companion - always happy and loving. Duke came from West VA - his teeth cut, HW positive, overweight, poor coordination, cloudy eyes. He transformed into the wonderful, energetic puppy in no time. It was really hard seeing him this weekend loosing all the energy - no chewing, no play, no strength to walk. He will be always in my heart - Beautiful Red Boy.

Thank you for the great times baby - I will always love you.
Anna