Every dog owner knows the joy of a good cuddle buddy, but for Cathy Hoyt, the snuggling comes with a price: the bizarre theft of her household valuables.
Meet Duke, a magnificent 10-year-old rescue Golden Retriever who has become an internet sensation for his peculiar, yet hilarious, habit of stealing random household items and taking them straight to bed with him.
His antics are both baffling and brilliant, proving that even a senior dog’s quirks can turn him into a global superstar.
Duke, whom Cathy adopted 18 months ago from Southeastern Virginia Golden Retriever Rescue & Training (SEVA GRREAT), arrived with a warning about his “quirky behaviors,” specifically his kleptomania.
But Duke didn’t just steal squeaky toys; he set his sights on the most ridiculous, and often delicate, objects in the house.
His list of stolen treasures is a testament to his ambition. Forget shoes—Duke goes straight for the good stuff.
He’s been caught nabbing wall art, lamps, baskets, pumpkins, and a massive kibble bin.
In a viral video, he was even seen masterfully taking car keys directly from Cathy’s purse, as if plotting a getaway.
Cathy admitted that the craziest items were those stolen directly from her credenza: fine china, including plates, teapots, sugar bowls, and ceramic bells.
Duke is clearly a dog with expensive taste.
Cathy believes Duke’s bizarre habit is rooted in a heartbreaking past.
Before finding his forever family with the Hoyts—who specialize in adopting senior Golden Retrievers—Duke endured significant domestic instability, including a family split and the subsequent passing of his second owner.
As Cathy realized, Duke’s compulsive behavior is likely a form of resource guarding—a way for the senior dog to mark his territory and create a secure space after feeling so much instability and loss.
What began as a necessity to document his behavior for the veterinarian quickly evolved into the wildly popular Instagram account, @lifewithduke2025.
Duke now has over 160,000 followers who tune in daily for his latest heist.
His fans jokingly defend him in the comments, claiming he only stole the car keys because he couldn’t drive the car out the door himself.
Ultimately, Duke’s story is a beautiful celebration of the resilience of rescue dogs.
He took his past trauma and turned it into an endearing, viral habit that brings joy to millions.
His presence, quirks and all, has added nothing but positivity to the Hoyt home.
Duke, the senior dog who steals china, is living proof that adopting a troubled animal can result in the most loyal, loving, and entertaining companionship imaginable.
He has found the unconditional love and security he craves, one stolen object at a time.
