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 laidback 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?

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!