I can honestly say we never knew a dog with a better personality than Tucker. He was so happy, easy-going, mild-mannered, friendly, kind and patient with toddlers, older kids and adults alike.
I think this, taken on January 10th, was the last picture I took of him. It was snowing lightly that day, our daughter and her partner were here helping Papa Pea and me with some project or another. We were all making trips going back and forth outside, from wood shed to storage building to poultry yard to garage, and back again.
Tucker, always wanting to know what was going on, couldn't decide who he should follow or where he should be so he stationed himself in the very middle of the traffic area so he could keep an eye on everyone coming and going. I tried to put him inside a couple of times, but he didn't want to budge from his watch spot.
Even though Tucker was happy being a bit of a couch potato, or "floor potato," he was ever eager for an adventure. He never said no to a walk with us, often out to the mailbox and back in snow deeper than his stubby, little legs. This spot by our stove in the kitchen was a favorite of his as he could observe everyone as we moved around in the house.
When he was with us over the dinner hour, he would station himself by his dish and patiently wait while we ate. Then when the table started being cleared, he would stand up and "talk" to us so we didn't forget it was his turn to be fed.
We always got a kick out of this splayed-out posture of his. I would tell him he looked like a pelt someone would hang on a wall.
Happy pup. He even smiled when he was sleeping.
If you're ever fortunate enough to have a dog like Tucker, you'll be very lucky. He was such a good boy.
Oh, so very sorry to hear this.
ReplyDeleteYes-they become a most important part of a home. I had "Jo-jo"--my version of the best dog ever. She is missed even after 15 years.
Again, I'm sorry.
Sue - I commented yesterday that unless we get a pet when we're 103 years old and very sick, we have to face the fact that we'll lose them in our lifetime. Heart breaking at times, but something we have to go through. Thank you, Sue.
DeleteSo sorry to hear that you lost Tucker, it's always so very sad when you lose a loved one.
ReplyDeleteJille - Thank you for commenting and your sympathy regarding Tucker's passing. So hard to let go.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Tucker. What a lovely lad. Always a heart-wrench in the end, but you will have fond and loving memories.
ReplyDeleteVintage Maison - Yes, when the hurting lessens, the memories will be warm and wonderful. Thank you for commenting.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear this. They become family members & will be terribly missed. He was a very good dog!
ReplyDeleteDFW - They're certainly not children, but they are family members, for sure. Thank you.
DeleteHugs all around; they leave such huge holes in our hearts. :-(
ReplyDeleteMichelle - That's a good way to describe it. Thanks, and hugs accepted!
DeleteI'm sooo sorry to hear this. Tucker was a great dog. He just had to know what everyone was doing. He will be one very missed dog. I lost my girl in Sept of last year and I still look for her. Blessings to you all.
ReplyDeletemtnchild - I know what you mean . . . after we lost our Zoey, I kept thinking I heard her toenails clicking across our kitchen floor. Thanks for your kind words.
DeleteA beautiful tribute to a beautiful friend.
ReplyDeletecreations.1 - Thank you for commenting and the kind words.
DeleteSo sorry for your loss, what a sweet dog...
ReplyDeleteNancy - Tucker was a sweetie, that's for sure. Thanks.
DeleteMay Tuckers journey be a safe one and may those left behind find peace. <3
ReplyDeleteGoatldi - When I said goodbye to him I told him he was going to be just fine now, and I believe he is. The rest of us will be, too, and the great memories of him will be what we remember.
DeleteSo sorry to read about the passing of your lovely dog Tucker. My heart is still a bit bruised from the passing over of my dog last summer, even though it was his time to go. Sending you lots of hugs and blessings. Vx
ReplyDeleteVera - Don't you sometimes wonder why we keep getting them when it's inevitable we have to let them go before we're ever ready? Must be what they add to our lives when they're with us! Thank you.
DeleteI am so, so sorry for your loss. My love to you all. He was, indeed, a wonderful dog.
ReplyDeleteSusan - I know you so well know how hard it is. Hugs to you.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. We bring them home as a little ball of fur and we know that someday this will happen, but it does not make us send them back! It only makes us fill our hearts with memories and fun with everything they have to offer. And may you soon be able to look at all the good and cuddle moments you had with Tucker and feel the blessing that he was. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteKim - I can still see so clearly the first time our daughter brought him here. We played with him in the yard and then laughed as he tried and tried to get up the first step to our deck but couldn't because he was just too small. Thank you.
DeleteWhat a wonderful little doggie. So sorry to you and Chicken Mama.
ReplyDeleteKathy - Tucker was Chicken Mama's companion during the years she spent by herself. Losing him is very hard for her. Thanks for you condolences.
DeleteSending thoughts and healing wishes your direction. We love our pets and it's SO hard when that time comes but even knowing how it will eventually end, we just have to have their companionship. I think it's a great honor to be loved by an animal.
ReplyDelete1st Man - Very well said. Thank you.
DeleteIt is so sad to lose beloved pet. They have a way of getting close to our hearts, some more than others. Looks like you had one of the special ones.
ReplyDeletesteakandeggs - Thank you for commenting. Even though Tucker was our daughter's dog, over the years he spent a lot of time with us so we're feeling the loss, too. We all expected he'd be around a lot longer.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. The family dog is the best example and teacher of unconditional love.-M
ReplyDeleteM - Yes, they ask so little, but give so much.
DeleteVery sorry for your lost. Such a beautiful and happy-looking dog! I can tell he was really loved.
ReplyDeletefarm buddy - Thank you for commenting. Yep, he was loved and he was a lover back, too.
DeleteI've had and lost many dogs in my lifetime and it is always a heartbreak and a heart ache. Tucker looks so sweet in those photos. We have the same doggie bowls. They're so precious and deserve to be spoiled beyond belief because they just give us so much love, that's all they want (with some food and poop time of course!). Take care Mama Pea! xxx
ReplyDeleteRain - I know you've loved all your dogs and know what it's like to lose one. Hoping to make it through the day without getting teary . . . haven't been able to put away his dishes and bed yet.
DeleteMy heart goes out to you & yours. Take comfort in knowing that he had the best life possible.
ReplyDeleteJanis - Thank you for commenting. Yes, our daughter gave him lots of love and when he was here he got the same. Plus, leftover gravy on his kibble which he looked forward to. :o]
DeleteSo sorry for your loss. Your post was very beautiful. I enjoyed the photos and the joy you had with Tucker.
ReplyDeleteKristina - They sure do give us lots of feel goods, don't they? Thank you.
DeleteOh no! I am so sorry to hear this news. It's always so hard to lose a beloved friend and family member. Hugs to you all!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh. His deterioration happened rather fast and even morphine couldn't keep his pain under control. So hard to watch. So hard to let him go, but definitely the only decision to be made. Thanks for the hugs.
DeleteSo sorry for your family. I lost my little guy over 3 yrs ago and still catch myself holding doors and gates open for him. He was always there right on my heels. I know Chicken Mama will miss him desperately.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've always loved that he was Granddog to you! It was the same with my mom. :)
Vonne
Vonne - Thank you for commenting. There's no doubt they become an integral part of the family. We did "Doggy Daycare" for him for several years when our daughter was living alone and working a lot. People would ask us when we were going to get another dog, and we'd reply that we had one! He was so good that he was never, ever a bother. A really good dog.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Tucker looks so handsome in those beautiful pictures. He was so lucky to have such a great family. Sending a big hug.
ReplyDeleteJessi
Jessi - Thank you for commenting and your kind words on Tucker's passing. He really was a good-looking corgi. And the remarkable thing was with all that hair, he didn't shed that much. A real plus!
DeleteSweet Mama Pea,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about Tucker. Sending love and prayers to you, and your family. Tucker was part of the family, and now he's an Angel watching over all of you.
Sandy - I finally took apart and washed his bed here in our house today and washed his water and food bowl and put it in storage for our next dog. Or maybe granddog. You never know. Thank you for your kind words.
DeleteOh Tucker! I'm so sorry to hear this news. He surely had a fantastic long life with so many that loved him. Give Chicken Mama a hug from our family please.
ReplyDeleteErin - Yes, everyone loved Tucker. He was so cute and good-natured. Hard to lose one like that.
DeleteHow's your knee doing? We need an update!!