In November 2006 I saw you at the shelter.
You were scared, and stressed, and had a longing look in your gorgeous brown eyes that I could not ignore.
You were found outside, abandoned in a wire crate, big enough for a Jack Russell, slumped over, in the rain. Your paw pads were gone, burnt off from the urine and feces you were forced to stand in for weeks.
You were so emaciated I could see every bone in your body, and your hip bones protruded like nothing I had ever seen.
Still, with all the pain and agony you were feeling, you gently licked my hand.
I took you home, warmed up a comforter in the dryer, and put you in the biggest crate I could find, for the night.
We kept you safe from the other resident dogs for a while and only had you out by yourself.
We put cream on your raw pads, and treated you for worms. Every time we pet you, you flinched your eyes, and cowered away from our touch.
I spent many hours laying on the floor with you, coaxing you with bits of chicken and steak, hoping and praying that you could learn to trust people again.
My daughter Madison loved you from the moment she saw that pretty white face, and was always begging to spend more time with you.
Eventually, you learned we were not going to hurt you. You got so excited when you saw us coming to your crate to let you out. Every so often you got so excited you tinkled a little, but that's okay, it was an honor to make your home cozy and fresh again.
I spent hours and hours getting you out in the neighborhood. Meeting anyone and everyone. You never failed me, you were always a perfect gentleman. If your new visitors were very young, or very old, you always were careful not to jump on them....you were always very gentle with your kisses.
From day one, you understood that the cats were there before you, and they ruled the roost. Not once did you bother them.
You wanted to meet the resident dogs very badly. You were a little too pushy for Bastian, and he bit you, but you never retaliated.
Bella was in love from day one. You and her were friends from the beginning and I know that she misses you.
I'm so sorry that life got in the way. I'm so sorry that I had to move and knew that taking you with me all the way to Florida would be impossible since I already had three dogs..... I'm so sorry that I put you back in the hands of an evil person who didn't love you.
I fought for you Tucker, I begged for you Tucker Man......
Noone would listen....
I will never forgive myself for your death, please know I think of you EVERY DAY, and I miss you terribly.
Sleep well man. Wait for us at the bridge.
