Three short years ago on Memorial Day I blasted my way into the hearts of my new family. I remember it like yesterday. I hit the ground running and acted as if I had just been dropped out of an alien spaceship to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting earthlings. Yep, it’s me, Duke Skywalker checking in. I am 101 lbs of vanilla ice cream with an “eraser” nose, and I will be the first to admit that I am a very spoiled dog.

I’ve worked very hard to make certain that the old folks here understand that I am in charge and that their lot in life is to cater to my every need. Life is good here at the lake. One of my favorite pastimes is fishing. This consists of stalking fish that dare come close to my shoreline. When I see one I drop all 101 lbs of dynamite in a mighty cannonball splash and scare the fins right off of them.

Ok, I’ve never actually caught one but the fun is in the chase. I enjoy lying on the dock and checking out the girl dogs that might happen to cruise by in boats. I’m a chick magnet, and they love to see me laying out there sunning myself in my birthday suit!

I had a little problem last August. The old timer took me for a kayak ride and when I got out on the beach I took off running as fast as I could. I made a 180 degree full speed turn and on the way back to see Big Boss, I blew out the cruciate ligament in my left rear leg. Down Iwent and it was quite painful. Big Boss picked all 101 pounds of me up off of the lawn and carried me inside. Off we went to the vet and she confirmed the worst. She recommended we go to Vetcision in Waltham, MA for TPLO surgery. Dr. Huss patched me up, and I spent a couple of nights there with the nice staff who treated me really well.

I finally got to go home and then the long healing process began. I made out like a bandit. Every once in a while I would whimper and the folks would come running. I got that whimpering act down to a science. You wouldn’t believe the stuff I got…treats, ice cream, toys, chicken cooked special, etc. I healed well, but I nursed that little injury for about five months before Big Boss caught on. If I’m not 100% recovered by now, then I’m about 99%. I’m a bionic dog. I’m faster than I ever was. Been thinking about doing the other leg but the folks probably wouldn’t appreciate it.

I still love kids both big and small. They are my absolute favorite people on the planet. Mom has enclosed a photo of me and a little friend sharing a drink. I’m pretty fond of Mom. She keeps Big Boss in line and she buys the food in the house. I try and stay on her good side.

I lucked out when my spaceship landed on this little stretch of earth. I’m going to stay forever. Don’t beam me up Scotty……………I’m here for good.

Duke Skywalker
my name was Deuce when I first landed

P.S. Mom and Dad send a HUGE thank you to the caring people who surrendered me to NEARR, to my foster dad and to, all of the NEARR volunteers who matched and placed me with my forever family.