The Story of Duke

A Good Dog. An Enduring Standard.

Duke was the kind of dog you measure other dogs against.

For years, he was rarely far from my side: at my feet while I worked, beside us at the end of the day, and ready whenever it was time to go. But Duke did not belong to just one person. He somehow had enough of himself for all of us. He was my companion, a best friend to our children as they grew, and very much my wife’s dog, too.

He was smart, steady, and dependable—but he was also fun. He had a personality entirely his own. He knew when to stay close and when it was time to play. In ways that are hard to explain unless you have known a dog like him, Duke became part of the rhythm of our family.

His years with us took our family from Romeo, Michigan, to Washington, D.C., and later to Key West. Wherever life and work led, Duke came along.

While we were in Key West, Duke was diagnosed with cancer. We later returned to Michigan and settled in Traverse City, where we were fortunate to have seven more months with him.

We have loved other dogs before Duke and since. Each has held a special place in our hearts. But there was only one Duke.

The Duke Collection was created in his spirit: straightforward, dependable gear made from honest materials and traditional hardware. Nothing unnecessary. Built to be there—day after day, mile after mile.

A good dog leaves a standard behind.