Born on a farm in rural Illinois, Duffy adopted his family and made their home in Rockford, IL., his home base the next 16 years.  Being the first Westie, Duffy strove to be the high standard against which all to come would be judged.

In 1999, Duffy helped found the Great Westie Gathering and attended every annual national gathering for the next eight years.  Duffy met Westies and honorary Westies from coast to coast, all walks of life including a little female Westie whom he married in a formal ceremony at the 2001 National Gathering in Chicago.  At that time, Duffy received the title of "Lord McDuff", making his bride, Miss Olivia Gillyflower of Virginia, "Lady McDuff".

Duffy brought much joy to his family and, through him, they were able to meet many other people who were owned by Westies.

Late in 2001, Duffy welcomed his nephew, Wiley, into the household and trained him well.  Duffy heartily embraced the responsibility of raising young Wiley and stole his puppy cookies whenever he could.

By the age of 13, Duffy's health started to decline.  Eventually, he was diagnosed with Diabetes and Cushing's Disease.  Vision impairment, (diabetic retinopathy), soon followed.  No one could have guessed Duffy was blind by the way he marched around the house in his daily routine.

Duffy became very stoic about his twice daily insulin injections and was the Vet's favorite patient.

Duffy always enjoyed the long car rides to the Westie gatherings and got to travel through Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Tennessee.

By the age of 16, Duffy was blind and deaf.  Finally, the Diabetes got out of control and his legs gave out.  Duffy made his final journey to Rainbow Bridge.

Duffy left behind a larger than life extended family stunned and grieved by his passing.  He is survived by his parents, Ted and Kathy, nephew Wiley and recent addition, puppy Brodie.

Duffy's work will continue with Brodie who will care for his family, make new friends and raise money and awareness for Westie Rescue.