Duncan and Heinz, our gentle little strays, were rescued from a local Dunkin' Donuts in the Spring of 2001, Duncan being the elder by about 4 or 5 years.  They were inseparable, so much so that when they walked together we referred to them as a “two-headed monster.”  Each had his own distinct personality and idiosyncrasies, but both brought joy and happiness to our lives, and to the lives of those they visited:

       Duncan was a gentle soul who enjoyed an abundant life in his later years.  The details of his prior life are few.   He was clearly abused, suffering physical and emotional damage, yet his loyalty and appreciation for his new home and family were unwavering.  He was always a good boy - he made it a point to make the rounds after every meal to show his appreciation for his new life.  He worked hard to show us how much he wanted to stay - but he didn't have to, and we loved him for that.

       Duncan was most happy walking on brisk winter mornings.  He would stop to crack the ice on puddles with his paw to lap up the water below.  It was his way of pretending that he was out in the wild while still enjoying the comforts of his warm bed and designer dog food.  Duncan appreciated his life on our little farm, with his stuffed animals and his cat Bootsy.  He began visiting with Caring Canines in 2001 and happily completed 45 visits before retiring late in 2004.

       Heinz, who we like to think is Duncan's son, was the mystery dog.  When we brought him home, he didn't know how to sit, stay, or play with toys, but he soon showed us what he could do - undo latches, turn doorknobs, open drawers, sweep counters, eat entire cans of Crisco, the works.  He was eager to please and eager to love, going everywhere and doing everything with verve.  He was even eager to learn how to count to for his audiences at his various Caring Canine visits.  We called him the “pythagorian shepherd” and the “amazing calculapso.”  He was the best - a loyal and loving friend to everyone he met.

       However, his ultimate loyalty remained to his beloved Duncan.  One month after Duncan passed from old age, Heinz succumbed to a neurological disorder that, in true Heinz fashion, was a mystery that stumped even the good doctors at Tufts.  Our diagnosis was a broken heart - he just couldn't bear to be apart from his friend.  They were always meant to be together.

       Duncan and Heinz were with us for less than 5 years, but we could not imagine our lives with out them.  It is our hope that we showed them as much love and respect as they gave to us.  It was an honor and a privilege to know them and share them with our family, friends, and members of the Caring Canines community.

       Please remember and support the humane societies, animal shelters, and rescue organizations and the all of the wonderful work that they do.  Everyone deserves a second chance.