April 18, 2012 ~ In recognition of National Pet Day we honor Duke! Duke was the pet Airedale Terrier of a young John Wayne (then Marion Morrison).
On his paper route in Glendale, California, Marion and Duke would stop to visit the local firemen at the fire station. The firemen would always say “here comes Big Duke,” referring to the Airedale, “and Little Duke,” referring to Marion Morrison.
The nickname Duke stuck with Marion Morrison/John Wayne for the rest of his life.
