After nearly five years of waiting, Duke has finally found his home.

The longtime resident of the Humane Society of Ocean City was recently adopted and is "absolutely flourishing" with his new family, the shelter announced.

"We are SO happy to say that Duke was recently adopted, and he is absolutely flourishing in his new home," the organization said. "He’s settling in beautifully, soaking up all the love, and he’s even made himself a new dog friend."

Duke arrived at the Humane Society of Ocean City in the summer of 2021, and the shelter never gave up on finding him the right match.

The former stray and coonhound mix became a familiar face during his lengthy stay, making several appearances and even being featured in People magazine.

NBC10 Jersey Shore reporter Ted Greenberg also introduced viewers to Duke during the 2024 Clear the Shelters campaign, when the dog was 8 years old.

As the 10-year anniversary of the Clear the Shelters event approaches, NBC10's Ted Greenberg is highlighting two dogs at the Jersey Shore. Duke is an older dog in need of a forever home while his former neighbor Willie is a blind dog who has formed a special bond with a New Jersey family that includes children with special needs. 

"He is such a loving, sweet soul. He is, just the way he looks at you and admires you. It's the cutest thing in the whole entire world," Bella Elias of the Humane Society of Ocean City said at the time.

The organization said Duke is settling into his new surroundings and has already made a canine friend.

"What was once a sad story with no ending has turned into the sweetest one of all. Duke, we are so proud of the dog you’ve become," the Humane Society of Ocean City said. "You truly are the definition of man’s best friend, and seeing you finally HOME is everything we could have hoped for."