Last week I received the unwelcome news that Tucker had passed following a sudden, unforeseen medical emergency. The news was even more unexpected as Tucker was an 8 year old pooch in his prime. The blessing is that everything happened very quickly, that his people were with him when he passed, and that Tucker is now at peace.
Tucker was a big, bouncy, friendly, bright and easily Ioveable pooch. I knew him and loved him for a number of years following his rescue and subsequent arrival on the Pooch Walk. Tucker was always happy… always. He wore a big beaming Labrador-esque smile like a badge of honour. He wasn’t really a complex character… to him life was simple; he loved who he loved, liked who he liked, disliked who he disliked, and put up with anybody else!
Believe it or not, Tucker was part whippet (obvious in his genetic analysis without being apparent in any other way!). He Ioved being part of the pack and travelling in the Pooch Mobile, where he would always manouvre himself into his favourite position, directly behind the drivers seat, where he could keep an eye on me.
Tucker was a handsome chap… he had one of the loveliest faces I have seen, canine or otherwise. Add his smile, his gentleness, his playful manner and his enthusiasm for life and it wasn’t a surprise that I was always happy to see him and be in his company. I think the feeling was reciprocated.
In addition to being a long-term member of the Pooch Walk, Tucker was also a regular visitor to the Pooch House, where he always quickly made himself at home, availing himself of “spa” treatments that he really enjoyed!. Tucker loved being with his people, being part of a family and doing family things. Indeed I remember one Halloween Night when he was a guest and where he made it clear that he wanted to come trick or treating. He wasn’t overly interested in the treats but he did enjoy receiving fussage from various ghosts and ghouls and had an encounter with some deer along the way (off-screen, left).
Sometimes life really sucks! This whole episode is a case in point ! Tucker’s people are heartbroken. They rescued him, loved him wholeheartedly and gave him the best 5+ years that a dog could ever have. In return he loved them unequivocally, without question, and was always happiest when in their company. And now he’s gone!
Grief can be a cathartic thing… it may not feel that’s the case in the moment, and in the weeks that follow. Everyone who knew Tucker feels a big hole in their life, particularly their emotional wellbeing… with his people feeling this Ioss even more acutely. Notwithstanding this , over time the happy moments will return to overwhelm the sadness, leaving great memories of a bouncy, handsome boy who was taken too soon.
Tucker… know that you were loved and are missed terribly. Also know that everyone who enjoyed the pleasure of your company are much better off for having done so !
Run free Tucker man
Mr Poochman's Pooch House 