Letter From the Editor

WHEN I WAS 15, MY FAMILY BROUGHT A PUPPY HOME WHO WOULD CHANGE MY LIFE. I ALWAYS LOVED ANIMALS, but I did not appreciate dogs to the extent I do today, and that appreciation is thanks to working with Tucker, my heart dog. Tucker grew up with me through high school depression, college stress, and my first exciting career here at Lancaster County Pet. He was my one steady friend I could always count on through each transition in life. He taught me about dog behavior and training, which I may have never been interested in if it weren’t for having such an intelligent canine companion. Now, he is teaching me the hardest lesson in life: saying goodbye. I lost my soul mate on February 25th at 13 ½ years old, and my life has once again changed forever.

Tucker was an intelligent, silly, loyal, and charismatic boy with a knack for making everyone smile. We ran agility together when we were both younger, which was one of his favorite activities. Until a few months ago, he was elated every time I pulled out a tunnel, even though he retired many years ago. When he got older, we transitioned to trick work and photography. My passion for photography blew up because of Tucker’s charisma. He was a natural in front of the camera. He would smile while wearing any number of ridiculous costumes and accessories. By the time he was 13, he had an entire dresser full of his clothes. I could have asked him to do nearly anything, and he would have loved it because he just loved making me smile.

Tucker gained an online reputation for being a model senior. He proved to people that getting old doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun; you only have to change your pace. Tucker inspired people with his action shots showing a senior dog still knew how to fly. Every single day, he inspired me. Tucker and Sam became two names that just clicked together. We were not known for being without the other, and still, months later, my life feels entirely incomplete without Tucker by my side.

I could talk about Tucker forever, but no words would genuinely express how much he changed my life for the better, or how much I dearly love and miss him. Nothing I write could show how truly legendary he was to me and the hundreds of people who fell in love with him. All I can say to his honor is thank you, Tucker. Thank you for making me a better person. Thank you for helping me on my life’s journey to this point. You will continue to live on in every word I write, every dog I train, and every photograph I take. To the dog with the biggest spirit and personality, my heart will leave the largest space for you. I love you, Tucker, and thank you for the greatest chapter of my life. To our readers, please hold your dogs close and enjoy every second with them, because the time with them is precious. This edition of Lancaster County Pet is for Tucker and every other heart dog who is dearly missed.

editor@lancastercountypet.com