I never knew how rewarding it would feel to rescue a senior dog until I adopted one. We may have missed out on most of my of our Staffy’s life, but I’m eternally grateful for every day we have together now. Even with the challenges, like his past traumas and how they manifest each day, he shows us what real, unconditional love feels like.

Duke, a senior Golden Retriever, was rescued a couple of years ago, and thankfully, he’s in a loving home with a patient, supportive mom. However, due to his previous life, this sweet boy has a hoarding issue. He goes shopping in the house and takes different items to his bed whenever the mood strikes. This time, it’s a Shark vacuum box, which he uses as a pillow, and it’s too precious.

As long as Duke has been in his forever home, he still manages to surprise his mom with his interesting choices, like this Shark vacuum box. The precious boy who loves a good flea market find, like a trash can, has fans anxiously awaiting what he’ll choose each time, and it’s always a trip!

“Payin’ bills, doin’ chores, teaching his sibling tricks… So busy,” one person commented. “Waiting for Duke to come around the corner is so exciting,” another shared (and I agree). “The back room is his treasure hunt room,” another pointed out. The world really is his *freebie* oyster!

Related: Golden Retriever Strutting to Mom With a Special Delivery Is Everything

Things Duke Has Taken to His Bed

The best part of Duke is never knowing what he’ll deem the item of the day. Getting a rise out of Mom by taking the bills is one thing, but my personal favorite stolen goods include the emotional support lamp, a bag of apples, a bottle of bubbly, couch pillows, an empty kibble bin, and so many more.

With the addition of his new rescue sister, Leona, Duke has only amped up the intensity and uniqueness of items. I have to hand it to him for the creativity. What in the world goes through his brain when he decides he’d like to cuddle with fine china?!

None of that compares to this interesting/disgusting choice:

Duke may have chosen a cardboard box today, but tomorrow, who knows? That’s the best part! It’s Duke’s world, and we’re all grateful to be witnesses to it!

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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.