Sir Duncan McDougal of Edinborough

Our Scott dog of many years, Scott, passed away just before Christmas, 1998. He was an important part of the family and is sorely missed.

We decided we wanted another friend in the house and looked at several varieties of small dogs. Finally, on January 23, 1999, we found another Scott at a Pet Store in Manchester, NH. We took him home and named him Duncan. This is his story.

I've arranged this a little different for convenience. It's chronologically backwards. If this is your first time and you want to see and read all about Duncan, scroll towards the bottom and you'll find "in the Beginning." Between here and there, you'll find several segments, ending up here.

- Duncan - December 2004, 6+ years old -

Wow, I haven't updated Duncan's page for years. It's about time.

Duncan is doing great.  He is thoroughly adapted to Florida now. After all, he's lived here longer than he lived in Georgetown. Somehow I haven't taken as many pictures that illustrate Duncan's life here - but here's a few.

The St. Augustine grass is much different than anything Duncan had seen before. It took some getting used to. This is Duncan during our morning walk. The grass is a little longer than our lawn - but he's learned to handle it.

The grass during our morning walk is even longer. He kind of bounces through it.

He sometimes sees a rabbit and off he goes.

In the evening, we lounge in the family room. Mom gives Duncan his evening brushing and then he joins Dad on the couch to watch TV.

- Duncan - May 2002, 3 1/2 years old -

We are now Floridians and I would say that Duncan has made the transition as well or better than we have. He did great while we were in the rental for 3 months and is now completely at home in our new home. In fact, directly across the street lives Bonnie, A female Westy that is just his age. Though there doesn't seem to be a blossoming romance, they are friends.

We moved to Florida in October, 2001 and one of our first missions was to find place to walk in the morning. Well, we not only found a place, but also found a friend to walk with. This is Lady. She is a 13 year old mixed breed that has lots of world adventures to hand on to Duncan. We now take two walks a day, morning and afternoon, with Lady and her owner. We get to see lots of activity in the "wild" areas of The Plantation.

We rented a home for three months while our house was being built. Duncan thought he was a cat I guess. He could easily get on the back of the couch and settled on that as "his" place.

We visited the house every evening as the construction progressed. Duncan was interested in his new home also, particularly the pool. He often got a guided tour as you see here.

Duncan has been experiencing many 1st's as we settle here in Florida. We occasionally rent a boat and go for a ride on one of the hundreds of lakes here in Lake County. He was a little cautious at first, but now is very comfortable. He'll look over the side as we cruise around. He may be looking for alligators.

Another first is the swimming pool. Duncan has been near water in the past, lakes, ocean, rivers and puddles. But - he has never got more than his feet wet  and only then when he was caught by a wave or he had no choice. Now - he has been in the pool several times, but only reluctantly. We carry him in and he swims out. He is not a water dog. He likes to watch us from the edge and play ball. He drops the ball into the pool and we have to fetch it. Looks like he has us trained pretty good.

And finally, we just got our golf cart a few days ago.  So - we no longer go off our walks in the truck - but in the golf cart. He jumps up in the front seat and is ready to go.

Duncan is living the Life Of Riley here in sunny Florida. He is a hit in the neighborhood and the whole community.

- Duncan - October 2001, 3 years old -

As I update this page, he is actually short 1 month of 3 years old. He still thinks he's a pup. Very exuberant. He has had a very busy few months as we sold the house in New England and moved the Florida. During that time, we've made four trips up and down the east coast. He travels like a champ and even seems to enjoy hotel rooms. Holiday Inns are very good about taking pets. Even now, we are in a rental home and will have to wait for our new home to be built. 

We had a pretty tough winter on Thurlow Street with lots of cold and snow. But it didn't bother Duncan. He loves the snow and doesn't mind the cold in the least. Here, he is standing on top of the crust with 2 feet of snow beneath him. I shoveled paths from the driveway to all the birdfeeders and that gave Duncan a way to chase the squirrels. When the snow crusted - he was able to chase them anywhere.  

We continued to visit the ocean, beaches and marshes as the year went on. We even found the beach a nice place to be during the winter. Duncan isn't crazy about the water. He will go near it, but won't knowingly let it touch his feet. This was a cold March day at Salisbury Beach.

We would go to Plum Island or the Rowley marsh for most sunrises. This one was after a flood tide. The marsh had been flooded which left behind puddles that would reflect Duncan and the colors of sunrise.

All this activity would sometimes get Duncan all dirty and Linda would have to give him a "tubby." He wasn't very happy with that procedure but would put up with it because Linda said so.

Now we live in Florida and we are looking for places to roam and explore here. He is already inspecting our new home every day. When it is finished and we move in, he'll know his way around pretty well. 

This pond isn't like a saltwater marsh - but Duncan enjoys all the sights, sounds and smells just as much. Here, we have to keep an eye open for alligators. That is not a concern on the Massachusetts marsh.

- Duncan - April 2000, 1 1/2 years old -

Of course, after a long day of mouse hunting, he has to warm up and watch a little TV with his "Dad." He has turned into a very affectionate dog and needs lots of personal attention. In fact, he often demands it.

There are other times when he has to stay in the house. Well - then he stays on "Squirrel Guard." He'll stay at the window that overlooks the birdfeeders in the yard. When the squirrels start to invade, he'll start making "Attack" noises. Soon someone has to let him out the front door and he streaks across the yard - squirrels scattering in all directions. I hope he doesn't catch one of these. The squirrel may win..

We often have the fireplace going for the weekend during the winter. Duncan enjoys sitting with Dad in front of the fire - until he dries out and quickly gets too warm. Then he wants to play tug with one of his many toys.

- Duncan - In the Fall of 1999, - 1 year old -

Duncan celebrated his first birthday a few weeks ago. He is now an integral part of the family - in fact he often seems to be the leader. He goes with me in the morning to watch the sun come up over Plum Island. He enjoys it when there is no one else around and he can run.


He loves to ride in the truck and can finally see over the dashboard when he sits on his seat. He's sitting on a little platform. I built this for Scott when I got the truck so he could see out the windows. Duncan sits up there like this all the time. I have seen him lay down but only when it's dark out and there is nothing to see. He quickly spots other dogs outside the truck.  

- Duncan - In The Beginning - 10 weeks old -

"Mom" immediately started the housebreaking - even in the snow. He soon took over the house and had everything that was on the floor - moved up, out of harm's way.



One of the first people Duncan met outside of the family was his vet - Doctor Kate. She was very pleased to meet Duncan and they have formed a powerful bond. We are happy to have Dr. Kate as our "Vet." Since this day, they have seen each other several times as Duncan has been receiving his shots and periodic check-ups.

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