Mutts Matter: Little Guy With a Big Personality

Hey guys, my name is Duke and I’m very pleased to meet you! I’m a charming and energetic one-and-a-half-to-two-year-old miniature pinscher mix with loads of personality. I’m the complete package: smart, social, affectionate and playful, with a little mischief mixed in to keep things interesting. I only weigh about 12 pounds, but I’m no shrinking violet, and can run and play with the best of them.

Sadly, my owners surrendered me to a shelter in Maryland, and said they just didn’t want me anymore. I don’t understand it, but I’m better off without those guys anyway. I was pretty scared in the shelter and realize how lucky I am to make it out alive. I’ve settled into home life now, and am so thankful for my second chance and the opportunity to find the right family for me.

On a positive note, I hit the jackpot with my foster home. My foster mom, Lisa, is Mutts Matter's foster coordinator. She works in rescue and has six other min-pins like me, and a huge yard for us to run and play in. I love it here! You’ll typically find me hanging out with my best buddy, Sparky, or playing chase with Apollo, another Mutts Matter alum. I love, love, love to play, and really need another young, playful dog in my new home that I can frolic and cavort with.

My foster mom describes me as very sweet, puppy-like, and a little goofy, and says I’m pretty easy because I keep myself entertained playing with the other dogs. When I need a little extra attention or I’m in a mischievous mood, I just steal a sock, shoe, or one of her scrunchies, and prance around the house to show off my newest treasure. I never chew or destroy anything, but it makes her laugh, because I try so hard to get her to chase me.

Even though I love to play, I have a laid back and affectionate side too. I love to curl up on my foster mom’s lap with my other dog pals at night and just chill out as we watch TV. Any chance I get to be close to her is great. I like to help out where I can, so I sit dutifully by my foster mom’s side when she does her workout videos, encouraging her and sharing a good face lick mid-sit-up. I think she works harder when I’m around.

Recently, I was chosen to represent Mutts Matter at the Reston Pet Fiesta and had such a blast. I got to ride in the car, met tons of new people and dogs, and loved all the attention. I also got to hang out with some Mutts Matter volunteers and their kids who took turns holding me. As an MMR representative, I took my job seriously. I graciously welcomed everyone to our booth and would put my front paws on their legs just to make sure they knew I was there and had a proper greeting.

So that’s me, in a nutshell. I’ll bring energy and joy to your home, I’m great with kids and dogs, and you can take me anywhere. I’m already crate-trained, working on my potty training, and, like most min-pins, I’m smart and learn quickly. Let’s face it, I’m handsome, too. I’m looking for my new family...could it be you?

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To learn more about Duke, go to the Mutts Matter Adoption Page and fill out an application, or you can contact Suzanne at suzanne@muttsmatterrescue.com.

Follow Mutts Matter on Facebook to learn more about us and see new pups coming into the rescue!