Earlier this month, a dog named Duke made headlines after his owners returned him to the shelter — just because he was “too boring.”
But now, there has been an inspiring update to his story, as this laid-back dog has finally found a place where he belongs.
On August 7, the Las Vegas-based Animal Foundation shared a post about a 4-year-old black labrador who was recently returned for being “too boring.” The owners said that Duke is “boring, sleeps all day, and doesn’t get up and greet them when they get home.”
“Duke is looking for a new home because his constant napping and apparent lack of enthusiasm made him the wrong fit for his last family,” The Animal Foundation wrote.
Not every dog is the perfect fit for every family, and it was unfortunate that Duke was taken in by a family he was ill-suited for. But Animal Foundation knew that there was a family out there for Duke — someone who prefers a chill, laid-back pet.
“If anyone has ever told you, ‘you must be fun at parties,’ Duke is your guy,” they wrote.
Indeed, many people responded with words of support, saying it was okay to be a “boring” dog.
“Duke is my spirit animal,” one person replied on Instagram.
“I’m pretty sure those are the exact qualities lots of people are looking for,” another wrote. “Duke, you rock! A very lucky family is going to find you soon.”
Duke’s fortunes soon turned around, as the Animal Foundation announced that he was being placed in a “loving foster home.” Duke’s foster, 69-year-old retiree Sue Marshall, said that Duke reminded her of her late pet Storm, who was also a laid-back black Labrador.
“Towards the end of his life, Storm was laid-back and chill,” Sue told the Washington Post. “It sounded like Duke would be like him.”
She took Duke in, and while it was originally a temporary foster situation, the two got along great and Sue realized it was a perfect fit. “I just love his personality,” she said. “He’s such a sweet, laid-back boy.”
Sue told the Post that Duke was more “laid-back” than “boring,” and that while he could be a little lazy sometimes, he had also never learned to walk properly on a leash.
Everyone at The Animal Foundation was thrilled that Duke had found just the right match. While his previous home situation did not work out, they say they don’t judge Duke’s old family for giving him up, and that not every dog is meant for every family.
“Shelters have all kinds of dogs, with all kinds of personalities,” the shelter’s communication director Kelsey Pizzi told the Washington Post. “We have to remember, there’s a dog out there for everyone.”
We’re so glad that Duke has been adopted! No dog is “too boring” to deserve a perfect home, and we’re so glad Duke has a new home where he can be his laid-back self!
Please share this amazing update!
