In Loving Memory of Duke On January 25, 2017, Duke came into my life as a rescue, but it turns out I was the one who needed saving. He was a goofy, loving soul with a heart full of loyalty. I thought I was rescuing him, but he rescued me in ways I never expected.
Duke joined Dozer, and together we became a family. His love pushed me to follow my passion and start Toronto Diamond Dogs. Last night, I had to say goodbye to him unexpectedly. What I thought was a routine trip for his epilepsy turned into the heartbreaking news that Duke had splenic hemangiosarcoma, a silent killer that gave us no warning.
Duke was with me through the toughest moments of my life, always by my side, never asking for more than love. His presence was my comfort. His love will live on in every step I take, in every dog I care for, because of what he taught me.
Thank you to everyone who was a part of Duke’s journey. Rest easy, sweet Duke. You’ll always be in my heart. ♥️
08/20/2024
Every walk is an adventure, but nothing beats a good old-fashioned game of tug-of-war! Who’s winning this round? 🐾💪
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Shannon grew up with dogs and lots of them. In her early 20’s, she worked as an in house pet sitter in Toronto. She then entered the corporate business world as a regional customer experience strategy manager and culture engagement manager.
After 17 years with the same company she declined a relocation offer to the United States shortly after the 2016 election.
Shannon then decided to follow her dream of once again working with dogs on a volunteer basis. She became a doggy foster parent with the TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY, and with SAVE OUR SCRUFF. Then one day a special puppy entered her life. She was in love! He was an adorable white puppy with a brindle spot in the center of his rear-end. He looked like a bigger, goofier version of her existing pup Dozer.
“WHEN I ADOPTED DUKE, I THOUGHT I WAS GIVING HIM A BETTER LIFE WITH A FRESH START. LITTLE DID I KNOW HE WAS ABOUT TO DO THE SAME FOR ME”.
Adopting Duke was not only one of the best decisions of her life, but it also made her realize working with dogs, especially those that required more patience, was her dream job. She has now come full circle, and has returned to doing what she loves -working with dogs.
Shannon’s goal is simple – to provide the best care possible for every dog in her care. This includes lots of exercise, following any positive training program you and your dog are working on, late night P&P breaks, picking up dog food, grooming drop offs, late night texts with owners, and lots of love!