When Duke arrived at the Treat Me With Love Project Sanctuary, he was barely recognizable as a dog. Emaciated, dehydrated and covered in pressure sores, Duke had suffered long-term confinement. A urine burn the size of a silver dollar marked his rear leg — evidence he was left in a crate too small for his body.
Duke’s suffering began long before that. His first owner was physically abusive. A concerned relative intervened and passed him to a woman, who eventually gave him to her 18-year-old son.
When Duke arrived at his new home, he was a healthy weight. But within just two months, Duke’s health had declined again due to neglect.
After realizing Duke’s condition had become critical, the young man’s mother reached out to rescues across the state. One said yes: the Yelm-based Treat Me With Love Project.
With intensive care, Duke began to heal. His sores closed, his strength returned and his gentle spirit reemerged.
A family with three children soon fell in love with Duke. They submitted an adoption application, drove two hours to meet him and welcomed him into their home.
Despite their love and support, Duke struggled with boundary issues around the family’s French Bulldog, “Potato.” Tension built until, finally, the family had to bring Duke back.
The children were devastated. Their middle son stopped speaking to his dad. He said he wanted Duke to be the ring bearer at his wedding.
