Memorial Tucker

Tucker
January 25, 1998 – September 10, 2010

You weren’t a Brookline adoptee dog,  but you’re the reason that I joined Brookline and made it to be a Senior Volunteer.   I rescued you when you were 3 and living in a garage and never walked.   That first day, you being my first dog as an adult, I had no idea what I was doing.   I took you to my brother’s house to meet your new family and you gobbled up an egg salad sandwich right from his hands,  I knew then I would have my hands full.   I had 9.5 wonderful years with you and wouldn’t change a thing.   You were my rock, my companion, my buddy and I was never lonely with you by my side.   You slept with me at night and would be so excited when I said, “Ride in the car”.   But boy oh boy, you drove me nuts in the car.   Running back and forth, wanting every window open and being so vocal.   That was the only time I would roll my eyes at you. I do recall the times you rolled your eyes at me…all those countless times, I would tell you I was going on a blind date and you literally rolled your eyes.   You knew I would always end up and want to come home to cuddle with you anyhow.

It was in October of 2008 that I found and joined Brookline as a volunteer.   I thought wow,  if I could bring the joy and utter unconditional joy that you brought me,  I wantedto do that for other Labs and deserving families.

You had such a wonderful life.   You never let me down;  you always loved me and never hurt me.   Well, except the time you pulled me on our walk and I fell and broke my arm.   Not only were you a big part of my life, but you had wonderful grandparents who would watch you when I traveled and had to go away.   I would even call to talk to you and tell you I missed you.

I saw you deteriorating after the many tumors and cancer cells they found in the summer of 2010.   This year was very tough. I would never want to see you in pain and I knew you were telling me to let you go and cross the Rainbow Bridge.   It was such a hard decision, but you told me it was ok,  you were ready. My friends at Brookline really did help me when the time came.   I can’t say I spoiled you extra towards the end or treated you better,  because you were always my #1 in my life for so long.

So on September 10, 2010,  I held you in my arms on the floor of the vet’s office while you went so peacefully.  NO more wheezing, panting, pain and hurt.

I’ll never forget you and think of you all of the time.   No one could ever ever replace you, you were so special.

Tucker, don’t feel sad for me,  you gave me a completeness that no one else could.   Because of that, I adopted another Lab from Brookline, Remi and he’s great, but you’ll always have a special place in my heart.   In your memory, I continue to bring the happiness that you brought me in our time together to other adopting families.