Nero/Duke
At only 6–8 months old, Duke (formerly Nero) has already survived more than most dogs ever should.
Duke was dumped in the tiny mountain community of Forest Falls, a place that has sadly become a dumping ground for unwanted dogs. For six long days, he survived alone in our national forest, searching for food, safety, and someone he could trust.
What made Duke different from the beginning was that he never gave up on people.
He would gently take food from the hands of Good Samaritans, lingering nearby, wanting connection so badly. Even after avoiding every attempt to catch him, you could see it in his eyes—he wanted to trust. Then one day, he simply stopped running and allowed a leash to be slipped over his head.
From that moment on, his true personality began to shine.
Safe in rescue and now thriving in foster care, Duke is finally getting to be what he always should have been: a happy, loved puppy.
Duke is playful, goofy, affectionate, and incredibly loyal. He loves other dogs and has been successfully introduced to large dogs, small dogs, cats, teenagers, men, and women. He enjoys making new friends and is learning the routines and manners that come with being part of a family.
Like any young dog, Duke still needs continued puppy training. He's eager to please and learns quickly, but he'll need a family committed to helping him grow into the amazing adult dog he's destined to become.
One thing you'll notice right away is that Duke is what we lovingly call a "velcro dog." He wants to be where his people are. Whether you're watching TV, working in the yard, or simply moving from room to room, Duke will happily be right by your side. After everything he's been through, he treasures human companionship and forms deep bonds with the people he loves.
Duke is already around 50 pounds and still growing, so he's likely going to be a big boy. Everyone who meets him has a different guess about his breed mix, so we've submitted a DNA test and are eagerly awaiting the results.
His original name, Nero, comes from a Latin word meaning "strong," "vigorous," and "powerful"—a fitting tribute to a dog who survived so much while holding onto his gentle heart.
But what defines Duke isn't his past. It's who he is today: joyful, loving, loyal, and full of life.
He's ready for a family that will continue showing him what he always deserved to know—that he is safe, he is loved, and he'll never have to face the world alone again.
Nero is neutered, up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. His adoption donation is $200.
WE ARE UNABLE TO ADOPT OUTSIDE OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
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