‘I will always have a special fondness’ May 24, 2025
“My family adopted a Treeing Walker Coonhound we renamed Duke on Dec. 22, 2010. We were looking for a dog because my oldest son, then a junior in high school, asked me, “Mom, are we ever going to get a dog?”
The time was never right, but that Christmas, I gave in. Duke was a bit rough around the edges, a counter surfer who promptly took up residence on our couch, much to my husband’s chagrin. I learned that one critical part of Coonhounds’ care is getting enough exercise, and so began my walking partnership with Duke, rain, snow or shine, 2-3 times per day, 365 days per year.
I also learned that teenagers might say they want a dog, but mom is the one who takes care of the dog. Duke was a treasured part of the family for 13 years until he passed away on Sept. 20, 2023 at the age of 14. He truly was my best friend. Our walking schedule was like clockwork, and he was a great snuggler with me. With his soulful light brown eyes and soft floppy ears, I could never resist him when he hopped off the couch and came over to tell me it was time for a walk.
He never got over his aversion to trucks (particularly UPS trucks), buses and motorcycles, seemingly fierce in his lunging and barking, but truly he was a marshmallow to his mom. He was my trusted companion when my kids went off to college and when I got divorced. I could not have gotten through without him, and I still miss him dearly to this day. I have had two other rescue dogs, Rahla, an 11-year-old Doberman/Australian Cattle Dog. After she passed away in 2019, Liza, a 3-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound/Beagle. Duke tolerated both and allowed them to join us on our walks and on his couch. Duke was always the first dog, though the females seemed to think differently.
Now, my kids are grown and Liza is the sole dog on the couch. She is a sweetheart and loves our walks as much as Duke. I will always have a special fondness in my heart for my first handsome Coonhound boy, Duke. I think I have as many pictures of my dogs as I do of my children!”
-Jennifer
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