My heart is broken to let you know my beloved Tucker passed away Saturday, August 20th in the early morning hours after struggling with various health issues in recent months. It was such a hard decision to let him go. Even in those final moments together, he was the one comforting me, licking away my tears before nestling into my arms and resting his head on my chest. Over and over I was whispering, "I love you. It’s okay." as I kissed the top of his head and cradled his paw in my hand. Then God’s finger touched him, and he was at peace. Now free of pain. Free to run and play again with his brother Charlie.

          I would like to thank everyone who helped and loved Tucker throughout the years. Among those are Dr. Peter and Dr. Mike and all the doctors, technicians and staff at Acadia Drive Animal Clinic, and on his last night, Dr. Breanna and staff at the Fish Creek 24HR Pet Hospital, all the friends and family members who welcomed Tucker to their homes, Nana for loving him like her own, staff and residents of AGECARE Sagewood where Tucker would visit weekly, Mystic Paws who took such good care grooming him and AJ and Jessica for their support. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! 

          Please give a tummy rub and a treat and spend some quality time with your own pet today in memory of Tucker!

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TUCKER   My Guy… My Buddy… My Pal

“Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them and filling an emptiness we didn’t ever know we had." - Thom Jones

          Tucker, I remember the day you chose me to be your human. There in that room full of puppies, all of them playing and creating chaos, except for you. You were so shy, watching me from the other side of the room as I greeted each one and lifted them onto my lap. Quietly you made your way behind the chair and couch to my feet and waited patiently for me to notice you. I lifted you up and you looked right at me with those gentle eyes and sweet soul, licked my cheek and nestled on my chest right under my chin… as if to say, “I’m home.” 

          The joy and love you brought into my life made my heart so full. You were such a character! I’d chuckle at your indignant, “Take it away! Take it away!” head toss, almost flipping over your bowl when being fussy about your food. You weren’t much for toys, but how you loved that old dish rag tied into a knot with treats inside! Your favourite was definitely a ball. It was the first thing you’d look for when you awoke or got home. You’d bring me that precious possession like a gift, only to turn your head and not let me have it! You would constantly remind me of your presence by stretching out your paw to pull my hand to you; you'd crawl right on top of me when you decided it was time for me to get off my laptop or dig at the blanket so I’d lift it up for you to crawl underneath beside me. And how such a small dog could claim over half a queen size bed I’ll never know!

          As meek as you were, you were still my protector! Barking at any other dog that should dare encroach on “your territory”! Yet for every step forward by that dog, you would take a step back until you were once again by my side. You knew I’d have your back just as you had mine.

          You were adored by all and any who met you, but most of all by your Nana! She loved to show you off to all her friends at the Dawson Lake residence. You were so patient and giving, going quietly to each person to say hello and let them pet you, and later cuddling with Nana in her big chair. How she spoiled you!

          You showed me a thousand times over I was your reason for being by the way you always wanted to be near me. That’s all you really asked, was to be with me. I’ll miss you lying beside me, always close so I could unconsciously reach for you and twirl your silky hair with my fingers. The way you’d roll over onto your back looking for attention; or show hurt when I’d leave without taking you.  You were so fragile. Even the slightest raised voice or harsh word would shatter you. With you, I knew a secret comfort and private peace. Your head on my chest and those licks on my cheek could heal human hurts. Your presence by my side was protection against my fears of dark and unknown things. You were loyalty and devotion itself.

          You weren’t supposed to leave me yet. It’s too soon. I’m not ready. I never felt lonely or alone because of you. You were my confidant who listened to all my thoughts and fears; those brown eyes always searching my expressions… your ears catching every inflection in my voice. You were my consoler and licker of tears. And what a licker! I’m sure your motto was, “If there is skin, I will lick it!” 

          Tucker, we were never apart one single day or night in 12 years. You captured my heart and will live on forever in my memories. When my eyes fill with tears, I remind myself of how fortunate I was to have you in my life. It was an absolute privilege to be "your human" and do what was necessary to take care of my “tough guy”. We’ll meet again in heaven. Until then, I miss you more than words can say. I loved you your whole life. I’ll miss you for the rest of mine. You were my favourite hello and hardest goodbye. I just wish you had visiting hours.

You are my heart, Tucker. Love Always, Your Mama

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AS A TRIBUTE TO TUCKER, I WOULD LIKE TO BORROW THE FOLLOWING WRITINGS:

They say memories are golden, well, maybe that is true. 

I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. 

A million times I needed you, a million times I cried.

If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. 

In life I loved you dearly; in death I love you still. 

In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill. 

If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane,

I’d walk the path to heaven and bring you back again

Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. 

But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again

~~  If a dog has brightened your life and every day silently accepted your tears without judgment, snuggled with you, forgiven your faults and loved you unconditionally, then you know what a gift dogs are to this world.

~~  Dogs don’t rationalize. They don’t hold anything against a person. They don’t see the outside of a person, but the inside of a human.

~~  If not for dogs, how would we know the meaning of unconditional love.

~~  Love is a four-legged word.

~~  The only fault of a dog is it’s life is too short.