Honoring Duke: A Family’s Tribute to Their Faithful Friend
The Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists team feels truly honored to share the story of Duke, a beloved companion who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. We invite you to read Duke’s story, which his family lovingly wrote:
Duke’s Story
Duke was born on a rainy spring day in Cinebar, WA, the fuzzy little son of Holly and Lightning. But not long after, he found his true forever pack with Suzanne and Clayton and proudly took on the role of brother to Summer, Max, and Jackson. Mischief ran in his veins from the start—chewing walls, stairs, and the occasional sibling limb was his way of saying, “I’m home.”
As a teenager, Duke had a heart full of zoomies and a nose for adventure. His favorite game? Sprinting full speed across the bed like a canine rocket. Despite his breed, Duke wasn’t one for swimming, but he loved blowing bubbles in the water, always doing things his own special way.
Duke held many titles in his life—chewer-in-chief, bubble blower, hallway napper—but perhaps none greater than ring bearer at Suzanne and Clayton’s wedding on Valentine’s Day 2015. Dashing in doggy formalwear, he trotted down the aisle as if he’d rehearsed for months. (He hadn’t.)
At age 4, Duke faced a big challenge: TPLO surgeries on both knees. But true to his spirit, he bounced back with over 100 rehab sessions like a champ. He did underwater treadmill workouts, sit & stands, two rounds of PRP, and laser treatments, and got all the hip and joint love he could handle from his amazing team—Dr. Jessica Marziani, Kristina Adourian, and the rest of the GCVS crew. When Kristina moved clinics, Duke loyally followed her, as any best friend would.
In 2017, Duke stepped into another important role—Suzanne’s emotional support during her battle with stage 2 breast cancer. Whether he was lying on her feet to soothe her neuropathy or quietly staying by her side after chemo and radiation, Duke never left her alone. He didn’t need to speak; his presence said everything.
When Duke’s legs strengthened, Suzanne brought him to Aspen, CO—her happy place. It turns out that it was Duke’s, too. Off-leash at Wagner Park, Duke sprinted through the grass, photobombed picnics, and ran circles around the locals as if he belonged there. And he did. Right up until his final visit, his tail wagged at full throttle.
In his golden years, Duke found joy in the little things—napping in the hallway, strolling with Mildred and Kim, visiting his rehab buddies, and chomping down on his beloved dental balls. He was slowing down, sure, but his heart never did.
On the evening of January 13, 2025, just shy of his 11th birthday, Duke passed away very suddenly from sepsis. In a beautiful full-circle moment, he said goodbye to some of his favorite people at the very place that had cared for him for so many years—GCVS. He was cremated with love at Pet Meadow Crematorium.
Duke wasn’t just a good boy. He was the best boy—funny, loyal, gentle, and deeply loved. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him, and he will always be remembered with tail wags and happy tears.
Run free, see you at the rainbow. We love you with all our hearts. The Best Boy Ever!
