R.I.P. Duke

Our animal friends only have one flaw – they don't last as long as we do.

The mood this week at the Champaign County Courthouse is more somber than usual – Duke the bomb-sniffing dog passed away after a brief illness at the age of 9.

Duke's co-workers in the sheriff's department security details were, naturally, distraught over the loss of their beloved co-worker, as were employees all over the courthouse.

Circuit Judge Heidi Ladd spoke for many when she said that "everyone's day would be made better" after a visit from Duke.

The genuine sadness Duke's death evokes among his courthouse pack and even the sadness some felt after reading about this unfortunate turn of events demonstrates once again how deeply most people feel about their pets, other people's pets or the office pet. The bond between people and animals is deep indeed, equally important to both.

It's a mystery as to what animals really think or feel. But they show every sign of loyalty and love.

Dogs like Duke ignore flaws, strive to please, make good company and have no objection to performing valuable service. In doing so, they burrow deep into our hearts. No wonder people grieve Duke's passing. Friends and co-workers like him are hard to find.

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