Two Minutes Du Jour

Today marks Duke’s 12th birthday, a milestone for our beloved dog, who joined our family as a 19-pound puppy in January 2013.

Named after Duke Kahanamoku, the legendary ambassador of aloha, our Duke has proven to be just as magnanimous, embodying the calm, loyal, and loving presence we never knew we needed.

Each member of our family has formed their own special one-on-one relationship with Duke. He intuitively offers exactly what we each need—whether it’s comfort, companionship, or a reminder to live in the moment.

Before Duke, we adopted another dog, but the fit wasn’t right. Our family’s fast-paced routine and full-time work and school commitments didn’t align with what she needed at that time. It was a tough decision to realize that sometimes the timing or the match isn’t right.

But when Duke arrived, we were in a different stage—our youngest was in middle school, and I had just launched my agency, working from home at the dining room table. He fit into our lives effortlessly, watching over homework sessions and my work calls alike.

Sometimes the right time for a pet is when you least expect it, and you may not even realize how transformational the relationship will be until it happens. They say “DOG is GOD spelled backward,” and I truly believe the universe knew we needed Duke. He brings out the best in us.

For those wondering if it’s the right time for a pet, there’s no perfect formula. Consider your lifestyle, your commitments, and your family’s needs, but also leave space for the unexpected gifts a pet can bring. The joy, the loyalty, and the calm presence of a dog like Duke are hard to describe until you experience it.

Duke has enriched our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined, and I’m sure he’ll continue to be our steady, soulful companion for many more years to come.

Two Links Du Jour:

Is This the Best Time to Adopt a Pet? Humane Society of Missouri

Wondering if Your Pet is Happy? They’re Already Telling You – The Washington Post