Duke Dranez

I will never forget the day we got you, Duke. It was November 29th 2016, at the Esso on Highway 3 and the Perimeter. You were skinny, scared, and hurting, with your collar grown into the skin of your neck. Yet even in that moment, there was something in your eyes—something gentle and hopeful—that told me you were meant to be ours.

From the moment you came home, you made your way into our hearts with your silly, sweet personality. Even though you were anxious—just like me—you always tried so hard to be brave. And somehow, in your quiet way, you comforted me more times than I can count.

You were there while we raised the kids, from tiny babies to the tweens and teens they are now. You weren’t just a family dog—you were part of the story, part of the memories, part of the growing up. You watched over them, played with them, protected them, and loved them with every bit of your loyal heart.

You were more than just a dog. You were my best friend. You lived through some of my hardest moments in life, and you never once left my side. You were my steady shadow, my comfort, my reminder that I wasn’t alone.

You loved swimming and camping with us, always keeping watch like the brave guardian you were. You had such a funny way of choosing the perfect stick to chew or sneaking in your favourite rock like we wouldn’t notice. And of course—your smelly feet and legendary farts earned you the nickname “Stinky,” which you wore proudly and lovingly.

Watching you grow old was both a blessing and a heartbreak. You deserved every soft moment of rest, every gentle day. In the end, making the decision to let you sleep peacefully was one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do, but it was our final act of love for you.

Dukey boy, we will always love you. You changed our lives. You gave us laughter, comfort, loyalty, and unconditional love. You will forever be in our hearts, our memories, and our home.

Thank you for every moment.

Rest easy, sweet Dukey BOY