Agnes Harinquet, Goddard Chingford Kennel Manager, Lauren Saunders Kennel Assistant GVG, Michael and Kate Emmons, Diane Ward GVG reception, RSPCA Essex South West Volunteers Margaret Ascott, Barbara Lucas, Bitte Nielson and, far right standing Maureen Po
Hard To Home Duke Will Live Like A King
8 years ago 
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Duke, an abandoned dog from Chingford with so many challenges that it was thought that no new owner would be willing to take him on has defied the odds, finding a perfect new home, including an acre of garden in which he can wander free. Staff at the Essex South West RSPCA and the Goddard Veterinary Group Boarding Kennels in Chingford, who have been caring for him since July 2015, waved him an emotional farewell on Saturday 16 January 2016 as he left for his new home in Stafford with new owners Katie and Michael Emmons.
Duke is a Mastiff Cross weighing in at 60kg. He was brought to the Goddard Veterinary Group's Kennels by the dog warden after being found abandoned and suffering with a bad limp, poor hips and severe arthritis. His microchip was out of date and was traced to a couple who had sold him on a website. Goddards' veterinary team tackled his medical conditions and was successful in treating to them to the extent that he was able to, once again, enjoy a good quality of life. Meanwhile the RSPCA team appealed for a new home. They knew this would be difficult because of his size, his health problems and his age (he is thought to be six or seven) but worked relentlessly to find his perfect family, even contacting UK singer/songwriter Julia Fordham to ask to adapt the lyrics of one of her songs to use on his 'profile'.
Katie and Michael Emmons spotted him on the RSPCA website. Not looking for a dog at the time, they came to meet him from their then home in Andover and it was love at first sight. Katie, a nurse specialising in dementia care, said: "We had recently lost our two beloved Newfoundlands and weren't feeling ready to take on another dog but, when I saw the picture of Duke and heard what he'd been through, there was something about him. When we arrived at Chingford, he walked straight over to Michael and lay down at his feet. He had chosen us - that much was clear! The RSPCA team was careful to explain the challenges we would be taking on with Duke but we are experienced with very large dogs so were unfazed. We were also feeling a massive gap in our lives from losing our previous dogs. We have had to wait to adopt him because we have just relocated to Stafford but we are overjoyed to be finally bringing him home."
Trish Smith, Trustee of the Essex South West RSPCA, added: "We received a number of enquiries about Duke but none worked out because he is a large dog with complex needs. Then I received the call I was starting to think would never come. We have continued to care for him until Kate and Michael could take him but have been looking forward to this special day when his new life can truly begin. Some dogs really find their way into your heart and Duke has done with everyone at the RSPCA and Goddards. The odds were stacked against him but he has been gentle and patient through all the treatment and through the long months of waiting. It is wonderful - and very emotional - to see him setting off for his new home."
Matthew Cornell, General Manager of the Goddard Veterinary Group Boarding Kennels, said: "It has taken a huge team effort to get Duke to this happy day. I'd like to thank all the Goddards vets and nurses involved with his care, as well as the fantastic RSPCA volunteers who have walked Duke and trained him to walk well on a lead. He has become a local celebrity in Memorial Park! Without this great teamwork, it could have been a very different outcome but, instead, Duke's story is one of rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming at its very best. We are very grateful to his new family who will give him the life he so richly deserves."
The Chingford Boarding Kennels and Cattery is part of the Goddard Veterinary Group and has been established and caring for pets for almost 60 years. The Chingford branch of the Goddard Veterinary Group is on the same site at 158 Chingford Mount Rd. They can be contacted on 020 8529 0111. The Goddard Veterinary Group has been providing veterinary care for animals across Greater London for 60 years through its network of 46 branches and three veterinary hospitals. Trish Smith, Trustee and Dog Re-homing Coordinator RSPCA Essex South West branch, can be contacted at [email protected] or on 07944 234360.
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