Duke

Little Duke is a quiet, gentle natured little fellow. He does not push himself forward, but when a cuddle is on offer, he is one of the best. He has excellent snuggling skills! He is very independent in entertaining himself, and loves to get around the garden and investigate things. But he is also playful with the other puppies and will amuse himself quietly with a toy. When he is tired he loves to find a sunny spot to sleep and is very happy napping outside on one of the dog beds.

Duke is learning his lessons really well. He is house-trained and sleeps through the night, managing a dog door really well. He loves to play with his litter-mates, and is experienced and polite with the bigger dogs. He walks beautifully on the lead and loves his walks.

Duke was born in Ampilatwatj after his mum Stripe was rescued by a visiting worker from life as an unwanted stray. Initially Stripe was in a bad way, but luckily for her puppies she was well cared for in the month before they were born. By the time they came to Kunapa Kari in Tennant Creek, Stripe was looking pretty good and her puppies, only a day old, were healthy and doing well.

They have been raised on a rural block on the outskirts of Tennant Creek. It's been a peaceful and protected environment for them, and this really shows in their temperaments. All of the puppies are calm and confident, have learnt how to behave around the bigger dogs, and have had plenty of handling and cuddles from our volunteers and the neighbouring kids who visit.

Stripe herself is a15 kg medium build dog. We have included a picture of her in Duke's profile. The puppies vary in size a lot. Duke is right in the middle so we think he will be about the same size as his mother, who has a lean light build.

Our rescue and rehabilitation work happens in Central Australia, but because of the scarcity of adopters locally, our re-homing operation is in South Australia. Duke's adoption fee includes crate hire, courier transport by road from Tennant Creek to Alice Springs, and a direct flight from Alice Springs to Adelaide.

UPDATE: Duke is now in foster care in Adelaide, so if you wish to apply to adopt him you will be able to meet him first.