Tucker, I still remember our first day together. It was Saturday, May 6, 1995. You were only 10 weeks old. I drove to the house where you and your brothers and sisters were all out playing in the yard. I came to take a puppy home with me but wasn't sure which one. You made that decision easy for me. As soon as I walked in the gate, you were the first one to come running up to greet me. I knew right then and there we were meant to be together. I remember our ride home. You were sitting in the seat beside me, shivering, probably afraid of where you were going without the rest of your family. Little did we know then that it would be the start of a father and son relationship that would last 13 wonderful years. You were the first dog I ever had so it was a learning experience for both of us. But you made it so easy because you were such a good boy. Of course you had your moments, like chewing on things you shouldn't be, but that was all part of being a puppy. It drove me crazy at times, but I wouldn't trade those moments for anything in the world. I loved our walks together. Every evening we would go, always going different routes so you would get to see as many different things as possible. All the little kids loved you. They would come up to me and ask if they could pet you. I'd say yes and while they were petting you, your tail would be wagging and you would be giving them kisses. They would say how soft you were. Every time you saw a squirrel or a rabbit, you would try to chase them, pulling me along behind you. People would ask me, "Who's walking who?". Usually the response was you were walking me. You wanted to see as much as possible in the time we were out. All our neighbors loved you, especially Randy and Cindy. Cindy would give you treats. Everytime you saw her, you expected her to have one for you. You would sniff her handbag and her pockets to see if she had any. Even when she wasn't around, you would lay outside, look over at her back door and bark until she came out. Grandma and Grandpa loved you a lot too. I don't think Grandpa was really wild about dogs, but once you came along, that sure changed. Every time we would visit them, you would go in the door and the first thing you would do is look for him sitting in his chair. You would go over to him, sit down in front of him with your back towards him, and wait to be petted. He never let you down. Even after Grandpa passed away, you still looked for him sitting in his chair. You certainly had your share of health problems. Luckily we had an excellent veterinarian in Dr Joseph Robuccio at Saint Francis Animal Hospital. He took great care of you through all your medical problems. You went through an awful lot but you never let them get you down. You always bounced right back. Unfortunately the one thing Dr Robuccio couldn't do anything about was Father Time. Eventually the years caught up with you and there was nothing else we could do. It broke my heart to see you in such pain. The Tucker that loved to go for walks could barely manage a few steps without having to lie down. The Tucker that loved to play ball didn't even bother with them the last few days. The Tucker that used to run up the steps to bed could no longer do the three steps to come back in the house from going out to go potty. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I loved you so much I didn't want to let you go but I also loved you so much I knew I had to. I couldn't be selfish and just think of myself. I had to think of you. I hope you can see that I did it out of my love for you. I hope you are having a great time in heaven, running and playing with the other pets. I've been hearing from a lot of other moms and dads who have kids up there with you. They told me not to worry that you will all look out for each other until we can be together again. Not a second goes by that I don't think of you, little buddy. I will never forget you. If you can, give me some signs that you are ok. Tell Grandpa to take you for long walks. I know both of you love to do that. Tell him that we love him and someday we will all be together again. Grandma and I love you and miss you so very much, Tucker.

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