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Welcome to Waggy Retail, a proper introduction to those lovable living mascots seen romping, frolicking, and/or snoozing behind the counter at boutiques around the city. Want to see your favorite shop pet featured in this column? Hit the tipline at philly@racked.com. Woof!
L) Duke doing what he does best: being adorable, remaining motionless. R) Duke takes his sister, Winnie, for a walk. Image credit: Seun Olubodun
He's not above eating garbage, but Duke would be damned before he follows you around on a leash. The 62-pound English Bulldog, made famous by his unofficial official role as brand mascot for Philly's own Duke & Winston, prefers to do the leading around here, thank you very much—but only after he digests his latest trash treat with a nice long nap.
Duke possesses more than a few endearing quirks in addition, which owner Seun Olubodun reveals after the jump.
Age: 7 years old. "He was flown to me at 12 weeks old. I picked him up at the airport, and it was love at first sight."
Favorite pastime: Sleeping, snoring, begging for food
Favorite Food: Trash
Naughty habits: Eating trash, farting, slobbering
Dislikes: Walks longer than two blocks
Weird personality quirk: "Crying like a baby when I leave him. I can go in the bathroom for one second, and he will sit and cry at the door."
If Duke was a famous person, he'd be most like: "I always say he would talk like Tracey Morgan, but he would probably be Winston Churchill. Not really sure why he would talk like Tracey Morgan—just because."
Duke's specials skills: "Whenever I take Duke out for a walk, he'll usually grab the leash out of my hand and walk himself. Sometimes he's a block ahead of me just taking himself for a walk. I even attached the leash to my other, smaller dog, Winnie, and he takes her for a walk also. It really makes my life very easy and is a pretty ridiculous sight."
·Duke & Winston [Official Site]
· All Waggy Retail posts [Racked Philly]
· Lifestyle Brand Duke & Winston Headed for Chestnut Street [Racked Philly]