How much is too much puppy content? Most would argue that the limit does not exist, so feast your eyes on this week’s Helix superstar, Duke, the 13 week old Bernedoodle!
“Oh hello, I didn’t even see you there!”
Duke belongs to Allison Hicks, Social Studies teacher at Byers MS. Lately, her class has been studying colonialism, and students have been hotly debating why we celebrate Thanksgiving and seeking to understand why some see Columbus as a hero, and others, a villain.
She excitedly brought him home from a breeder in Cheyenne just a few weeks ago, when he was just 8 weeks old. Allison and her fiance Steven have wanted a dog for some time now, but their rental agreement didn’t permit it 😱. They finally cracked their landlord on a Tuesday night, found Duke that same Tuesday, met him via Facetime on Wednesday, and took him home that Friday. It was truly meant to be.
As he’s settling into his new home, Duke has been enjoying some fine cuisine, and lives for a good plate of chicken and rice- it’s his favorite human food. If he even hears the word “chicken”, he bounds into the kitchen and patiently waits for his mom or dad to give him a bite.
Begging once, begging twice, begging for some chicken and rice!
It may just be the breakfast of champions as Duke rapidly grows into his full potential. Arriving in Denver he was only 9 lbs, and after just 5 weeks he’s now weighing in at almost 25 lbs. While he is predicted to stop growing at around 65 lbs, they are betting he may grow to be up to 85! Still getting used to his ever-growing frame, he tends to trip over his own paws, not realizing how big he is.
As Duke gets bigger, so does his love for snuggling. In fact, he demands it, putting his paws on your face when he wants a cuddle, or pausing mid-walk just for a hug. He also LOVES Disney movies, and will sit and watch Disney+ on the iPad for an entire movie and not be interrupted.
Let’s chat later… I’m pretty tied up with this film screening
If Duke’s not cozying up next to the iPad or his humans, he’s likely enjoying the cold cement floor by the back door. But he also is ready to jump in with some team spirit- Duke’s dad is a CU Boulder alum, so he’s a Buffs fan in training. Here he is sporting a Colorado Buffs bandana and making his dad proud!
Duke has already made a best friend- a mini Sheepadoodle named Donut, just one week older than him! Donut belongs to Allison’s own best friend, and they are so happy to be raising the two adorable puppies together!
Do you have a pet everyone needs to know about? Send pics to mac@scienceandtech.org
