Duke Mastiff DofB ?2021 RRemedies Centre

[Alexis]

Another foster break for my Dukey Boy last week, he was (as always) the perfect house guest. He just came to stay for 2 nights this time, but he settled back in immediately. He remembered where he was as soon as we arrived home, bouncing his way through the car park and up the stairs to my flat. I took him for a walk straight away as I always finds it helps settle him and get rid of any excitement and energy. He spent most of the walk rolling in the grass (mud) and getting nice and dirty. But, it makes him so happy that I always let him do it. He was the best boy walking well on his lead. We stopped to watch some ducks that had escaped the lake in Regents Park and Duke was so calm, just sat there and watched. He even lay down and then rolled around for some belly rubs! We went to a cafe in the park and sat quietly whilst I had my coffee. One thing Duke is great at is just taking it all in and watching. He loves to process his surroundings. A lot of people passed by and commented on how handsome he is. We headed home after a 2 hour walk, and I gave him a nice shower. He loves showers, not for the water but more for the massage he gets whilst being shampooed and dried! He then took up his favourite spot on my sofam curled up like a little croissant, for the rest of the evening. He is so warm and cuddly and such great company.









The next day I had to head to Pets at Home in Redhill to help man the Rescue Remedies stand we had there over the Christmas period. Duke was the perfect mascot, taking strokes and pets from all the passers by. He even gave a few of his famous kisses! He was adored by everyone, including the staff who said he was such a calm, good boy. We headed back to London afterwards and I took him for a long walk through the parks and surrounding streets. We popped into a few shops too for some Christmas shopping. Duke was on his best behaviour and again, had a lot of admirers!

Duke at Pets at Home

Duke with Stuart at Pets at Home

We headed back home for our final night. He is such a snuggler on the sofa, I could honestly have stayed there all night with him! I was so, so sad to have to take him back to the kennels the next day, but I had to drive down to my Mum's for Christmas and sadly as I have 2 dogs I could not take him with me.

Snuggles with my boy!

Duke is an absolute sweetheart and would make such a great addition to any family. But, as I have always said, he does need someone able to manage his size and strength. He is still young and does play up when on walks, he can jump up purely out of excitement, which can be hard to manage for some people. But he is a very clever dog and very trainable. I would have this boy in a heart beat if I could. I love him so much and cannot wait for the day that he finally has a place he can call his home. See you soon my Dukey Boy! xx

Duke enjoying the sofa

Those eyes...

[Alexis]

Dukey Boy was back with me for the weekend. I just LOVE fostering this boy, he is such an easy dog in the home.

The drive back to London is always about 2 hours and the past few times Duke has been in my car he has suffered from car sickness. However he managed the whole drive home without being sick, which means he is definitely getting used to the car - great news! When we arrived home we went for a long walk in Primrose Hill for him to blow off some cobwebs. He loves rolling in the grass and playing tug - he gets lovely and muddy (just as well he is heading straight in for a shower when we get indoors ). Duke isn't a fan of the shower, but once in there he really calms down - he loves being massaged and stroked and I know the warm water feels nice. After having a big dinner, he settled in his usual spot on my sofa for the night and pretty much passed out cold! This was after some kisses and cuddles, which I always encourage :)


Kisses and Cuddles with my boy!

The next morning we headed out early for a walk. We met a few dogs in the park, some who were keen to say hello and others not so much! Duke is such a social boy and just wants to say hello to everyone. But he does well to understand when a dog doesn't want to interact and gives them space. He can get a bit too excited though, and suddenly launch into a zoomie, which can be difficult to manage when you are on the other end of the lead! I have said so many times on this forum, Duke is a strong boy and would need someone who can manage this side of him. He does get better the more outlets he has and being able to drain his energy helps too. There is never a dull moment with this boy!

I had to work Saturday afternoon at the gym, so Duke said he would help me with my clients lol! He sat very calmly whilst I trained them, just got up to demand some strokes every now and then. But otherwise he was the perfect gym buddy! My clients love Duke as he has been at the gym before.

Duke at the gym

Helping me train my clients. Such a good boy!

We headed home and I took him for a lovely 2 hour walk through Primrose Hill and Regents Park. It was getting dark as we got home, but I decided to walk him back through the village - he loves popping his nose into all the shop doors. We went into the bagel shop to get something for breakfast in the morning and he met a couple of admirers! Our last night was pretty chilled, just curled up on the sofa together watching a movie. He slept nicely on my bed and hardly takes up any space at all.

Sleepy boy

Sleepy head

We had a lie in on Sunday, then headed out for another long walk. We didn't do much on our last day together and Duke was happy with that as he got to catch up on some more sleep. I love this boy to bits and just love having him to stay. Dukey Boy you are a superstar and I love you to the moon and back! xxx