Dukie was my first purebred dog and my best friend. Looking back on our time together, I realize he was truly a dog that changed my life.

Am/Can Ch Marmaduke Am/Can CDX

1975 - 1985

A Big Hairy Dog

He was the beginning. I was just looking for a big, hairy dog. I located him, when he was 14 months old, in a boarding kennel where his first owners left him, papers and all, 6 months earlier. I stepped into his pen and he gently stood on his hind legs, placed his huge paws on my shoulders and looked me straight in the eye as if to say "Let's Go". We went to obedience school, because he was bigger than me and I could not even take him for a walk. He and I both loved training and it turned out he was brilliant. We were encouraged to show and much to the surprise of the Newf world of the 1970's he frequently scored in the 190's. He even obtained High in Trial honors with a score of 199! He drew much attention from Newf exhibitors who encouraged me to try the breed ring. I was very unsuccessful until Dukie met the then 17 year old Dawn Chandler Gallo. Together they completed his American AND Canadian Championships in a total of just 19 shows. Dukie was now 6 years old. In later years Dukie and I competed to 2 Group placements. Although he never completed his UD title, some of my most memorable moments of him were the many ways he found to embarrass me in the Utility ring. I firmly believe I owe everything to this great dog. I am who I am because of him. I live where I live because of him. I do the work I do because of him. He brought me the sport of purebred dogs and all the wonderful friends I have made over the years. Most of all he taught me to have fun in the ring. I still believe if I ever forget that he will find a way, once again, to trip me or otherwise embarrass me as a reminder it is all about him not ME! Thank you my dear friend, neither I, nor anyone else who knew you will ever forget you.