Duke, also known as @zadrigman on Instagram, isn’t your average dog rescuer. The experienced animal advocate regularly responds to emergency calls around his home in Mexico, but he doesn’t show up in just any outfit. He wears something much more fun.
“I wear a superhero costume,” Duke said in a video for The Dodo. “Because I want to inspire younger generations to help animals in need.”
Last year, Duke received a tip about a bulldog abandoned in a dumpster. The rescuer donned his iconic blue-and-green garb and headed straight to the scene.
When Duke arrived, he spotted a black nose poking out from the garbage. He dug through the trash and uncovered the poor little bulldog he’d been looking for.
“I felt so disappointed,” Duke said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
The rescuer learned that the pup was formerly owned by a backyard breeder, who threw her away like trash when she couldn’t have puppies anymore. With no one caring for her, she grew weak and could no longer walk. Duke cradled her in his arms and told her she’d be OK.
“You don’t belong in the trash,” Duke whispered to the pup in a video taken at the time. “You don’t.”
Rescuers brought the pup to a local veterinarian for a full exam. Safe at the vet’s office, the bulldog began showing her appreciation.
“She gave a kiss as if she was saying thank you,” Duke said.
The rescuer couldn’t believe how friendly the dog was, given her dark past.
“Despite everything she’s been through, she’s so grateful,” Duke said.
Once she felt a bit better, Duke brought the bulldog to a local animal wellbeing center. Rescuers at the center agreed to adopt her and help her get back on her feet. These days, the pup is walking on her own and hanging out with her new friends at the rescue.
Duke couldn’t be more thrilled.
“I am happy,” Duke said. “After all, she had a happy ending.”
