On a freezing January morning in a Baltimore park, a dog sat tied to a tree next to his crate, his favorite toy, and a note explaining why he was there.
A Cold Morning in Patterson Park
Stephanie Dagenhart, a 32-year-old public school teacher, was walking her two rescue dogs through Patterson Park on January 13, 2018, when she came across a large white dog tied to a tree, shaking from the cold. A neighbor, Keith Gray, had spotted the dog around the same time while walking his own dog; his wife, Leslie Gray, posted about the sighting on the Patterson Park neighborhood Facebook page.
Dagenhart told TODAY she looked around, certain the dog’s owner had to be nearby. Nobody was.
The Note
A short distance from the dog, Dagenhart found a note. As she told TODAY: “This is Duke; he has his favorite toy, his crate and his food, and he needs a new home and someone to love him.”
Other outlets recorded a slightly different wording: “My name is Duke. Here’s my favorite toy and my food. I’m looking for a new home.” Either way, the message was the same. Duke’s owner had left him with his belongings and walked away.
Staying By His Side
Dagenhart said the dog, wary and shivering, gave a low growl when she first approached. She didn’t push. Instead, she called 911 and animal control, posted on the neighborhood Facebook page, and had her fiancé come collect her own dogs so she could stay with Duke. She later said she was “losing faith in humanity.”
Word spread quickly through the neighborhood. Other residents showed up with blankets and treats while everyone waited for animal control to arrive.
What Happened at the Shelter
Animal control brought Duke, a two-year-old American Bulldog, to the Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS). Because Duke had been left with a note rather than formally surrendered, Maryland law required BARCS to hold him for a minimum stray-hold period — 72 hours — before he could be released for adoption, even with a line of people already asking about him.
A New Home
Duke was adopted on January 19, 2018, less than a week after he was found, by U.S. Army Specialist Wallace White. According to BARCS, White didn’t realize he’d adopted a dog whose story had reached nearly every state until a friend pointed it out to him.
BARCS credited the Patterson Park neighbors, Dagenhart included, for getting Duke the help he needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Duke at the shelter? Six days: found January 13, adopted January 19, 2018.
Was Duke hurt? Reporting doesn’t indicate any injuries, just cold and fear. He was wary of strangers at first but calmed down as people stayed with him.
Who eventually adopted him? U.S. Army Specialist Wallace White, who saw him at BARCS and adopted him without initially knowing the story behind him.
Sources: TODAY; WMAR2 News; WTVR; CBS Baltimore/WJZ; Fox2Detroit (KTVU); BARCS Animal Shelter Facebook page.
Leave a Reply