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Remembering Duke

It is with great sadness that I announce that Duke, Ottawa’s most famous Great Dane, has passed. Duke was laid to rest last Thursday July 23rd at 3:30pm after a battle with bone cancer. Duke was a staple to the Ottawa and Kanata Bark and Fitz stores. He helped to raise thousands of dollars for charity and brought smiles to many people’s faces over the years.

Although he weighed in at a whopping 180lbs, Duke was the best behaved and gentlest dog I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and working with. He appeared in many fundraising campaigns for “Photos with Duke” or “Shake a Paw for $1″ and always did so happily and lovingly.

Corduroy, at one point in her life, decided that all big dogs were bad – she’d bark non-stop and let them know that she did not like them, except for one, Duke. She loved Duke and never barked at him. He even let her climb all over him, even though he wasn’t too fond of puppies. That was the kind of dog he was, patient and accepting – people would come to the store just to see him!

Duke brought true meaning to the phrase “gentle giant” and will be missing by many, dogs and humans alike. He is remembered by his humans, Amanda and Matt as well as his doggy siblings, Bosco and Angel and by the entire Bark & Fitz Ottawa and Kanata staff, past and present.

Duke at the Wiggle Waggle Walkathon last year
Duke at the Wiggle Waggle Walkathon last year, the boston wasn’t too sure about him! Find this photo in the Pampered Puppy 2009 Calendar and here.

Duke and his best dog friend, Stella
Duke and his favourite doggy co-worker, Stella

Duke at BARK at the Ballpark 2008
Duke at BARK at the Ballpark 2008 – posing with people and raising money!

Duke's Holiday Photo
Duke’s Holiday Photo

Big Paws
Big Paws

Shake a paw!
Duke performing one of his MANY tricks, Shake a paw!

Representing Bark & Fitz
Representing Bark & Fitz

With his loving family, Bosco, Angel, Amanda and Duke
With his loving family, Brother: Bosco, Sister: Angel, Mom: Amanda and Duke (L to R) – absent, Dad: Matt.

Me with Duke
Me with Duke at BARK at the Ballpark last year.

Ottawa Dog Blog Founder, Liz

Liz is a dog lover and photographer living in Ottawa with her partner in crime/husband, Thomas, and three dogs; Paddington, a Maltese/Yorkie mix; Corduroy, a Maltese/ShihTzu mix; and Wellington a Yorkie/ShihTzu mix. She loves dogs, candy, milk, tomato juice, grocery shopping, shoes, movies and DVDs and most of all, her amazing hubby!

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