Helen's Home World: Tucker's Travels are Over

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Tucker's Travels are Over

Today, I lost one of my best friends, my sable Sheltie, Tucker.

He had a fearless heart, a quiet mind, was straight and true and brave and cool, everything I wish I was.

He began his travels in New Brunswick but at three years of age moved to Ontario where he began his agility career. He moved once more to Ottawa where he continued to be successful in the agility ring.

For a Sheltie, he had a quiet and thoughtful mind; no spinning for him. When I would send him out to do a gamble, if he didn't get it right away, I could see him thinking about what he should do next; if my handling was good (and sometimes even if it was not that good), he would get the gamble.

I started the stories of his travels with high liver values and Cushings in Oct 2010 just before his 10th birthday. I was so sure he would see his 12th birthday but that was not to be. When I came home from a camping trip with Beckett and Keltic, my sister called to say that he wasn't eating and hadn't stood on his own all day. I went over to pick him up and he didn't come to greet me but he looked stable enough that I decided to wait until today to take him to my own vet rather than go the 24 hour animal hospital, Alta Vista. Late last night, he took a turn for the worst. I got him in a more comfortable position and laid down with him. I fell asleep listening to him breathe but by this morning he was gone.

31 Oct 2000 - 23 Aug 2012

I hope I didn't let him down.

Good Bye Sweet Tucker Boo.

29 comments:

AnonymousAugust 23, 2012 at 12:17 PM
There's no way you let him down. You were with him until the end. RIP Tucker.

Maureen
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andreaAugust 23, 2012 at 12:19 PM
awwwwww Helen ....i'm so glad he waited til you were home ...

hang in there over these next difficult dark days
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KellyAugust 23, 2012 at 12:27 PM
My condolences, Helen. Tucker waited for you to come home, and I'm quite sure that had we been able to ask him, he would have chosen to die close by your side, in his own home. Sleep well, Tucker.
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CowspotdogAugust 23, 2012 at 12:30 PM
He will have so many new friends over the rainbow bridge waiting for him and he will be able to run free again like when he was a pup - hugs to you - we know how hard it is to loose one of your own.
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FinnAugust 23, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Reilly and Denny told us the news. What a gorgeous boy and how wonderful for him to spend that last night feeling you around him. May he run free!
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AnonymousAugust 23, 2012 at 12:46 PM
No let down, you being with him at the end was the bestest thing, so sad to have one of ours gone, but remember he is waiting at the Rainbow Bridge, were we will all meet again!

Your Furends
Susie & Sidebite
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BassetmommaAugust 23, 2012 at 12:51 PM
I just popped over form Cowspotdogs to offer my condolences. I'm so sorry to hear about your sweet Tucker. Obviously he was waiting for you to say goodbye and I think it's wonderful you spent the last night by his side. R.I.P. Tucker.
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VonnieAugust 23, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Awwww so sorry to hear the sad news Helen. In no way did you let Tucker down, you did everything you could and you were lying beside him when he went to Rainbow Bridge. With heartfelt sympathy x
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Lisa McPAugust 23, 2012 at 1:17 PM
Oh Helen, you didn't let him down at all! He was so loved by you. You know when Indy died I thought I did everything I could for him and it just wasn't enough. Sometimes our best isn't enough and it happens anyways. You were there for him until the end and he knew that. Keep the memories, they will help ease the loss.
Hugs and strength to you.
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TimberLoveAugust 23, 2012 at 1:17 PM
We came by to paw our condolences. Softest husky wooooos, we will lite our candle to guide Tucker on his way.

RA, Isis & nanük
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corbinwootenAugust 23, 2012 at 1:20 PM
I too found this blog through CowSpotDog, and just had to stop by to post a comforting note. Though I didn't know you, I can hear your love of Tucker in this post.

I am sending comforting thoughts to you.
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AnonymousAugust 23, 2012 at 1:23 PM
Gone to be with the other furkids, and to hang out with his Grandpa! Will sure be missed, lots of love to you at this time of loss.
Karen & clan <3
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LindaAugust 23, 2012 at 1:29 PM
Tucker was a steady heart, ready to do anything for you in his quiet way. He was a determined little guy who will be missed. You loved him very much.
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The Ladies of Beaglebratz ManorAugust 23, 2012 at 1:46 PM
We were over at Reilly and Denny's an'herd the terrible newwz. There wuz no way u let him down.
You were with him when he began hiz journey across the Bridge - that'z what we all hope fur. We are so furry much sorry.
Shiloh'n Shasta
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HoundDogMomAugust 23, 2012 at 1:53 PM
We are stopping over from CowSpotDog's blog. We are so so sorry to hear about your beloved Tucker making his final journey. From just the little bit I have read on your blog, you in NO WAY let your fur-baby down. We send you {HUGS} as you work through your grief. Sniffs, The HoundDogs
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stellaroselongAugust 23, 2012 at 2:04 PM
We are friends of Gospel of Goose...we are so sorry to hear about tucker..he was very beautiful...sending a hug and prayer your way.
stella rose
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SaraAugust 23, 2012 at 2:12 PM
Helen, I'm so sorry for your tremendous loss. How lucky that you were able to be with him in the end. Tucker felt safe and secure lying next to his Mom.

I know you will miss Tucker dearly. I'll be lighting a candle tonight for him.
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Sweet William The ScotAugust 23, 2012 at 2:57 PM
Stopping by from Cowspotdogs to say how sad we are to hear about Tucker. Lees last dog had Cushings so she much understands the disease. Being able to pass away at home with you beside him had to be a gentle way to go to the bridge.
Sweet William The
Scot
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♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥August 23, 2012 at 4:16 PM
So very sorry for your loss. We lost our girl to Cushings too. We know you didn't let him down - he knew how much you loved him.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
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KEY WEST COLLIESAugust 23, 2012 at 4:18 PM
We wish Tucker could have stayed with you longer and we know a heck of a sheltie crossed the bridge. We know he had a good home and pack that loved him. You and yours are in our prayers.

Dog Speed,

Essex, Sherman and Dog Dad
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MuttsandaklutzAugust 23, 2012 at 6:07 PM
That was a beautiful tribute, Helen... It was so nice watching those agility runs again and seeing all the puppy photos, there were some I hadn't seen before.

The world has lost a gentle soul. Farewell, Tucker boy.
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DukeAugust 23, 2012 at 6:11 PM
You were there for Tucker and he knew it. Our hearts are breaking for you. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Godspeed, Tucker.

Love ya lots,
Mitch, Molly and Sue
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How Sam Sees ItAugust 23, 2012 at 7:30 PM
I'm so sorry. We are sending hugs.

Sam
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UnknownAugust 23, 2012 at 8:20 PM
We are so sorry for your loss, Helen! There is no let down at all, you were there with him and he knew he was loved.

Tucker was a brave soul and he was beautiful. We all miss him too!

RIP Tucker!
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AnonymousAugust 23, 2012 at 8:58 PM
I think he waited for you! To be with you one more time to say his personal good bye.

Juanita.
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DawnAugust 23, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Of course he waited for you! And you were exactly in the right spot for him. He got to leave on his own terms, with you right there, in his own home. No better way than that. Hugs to you.
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Kiyi KiyiAugust 23, 2012 at 11:05 PM
I'm so, so sorry.
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Charlene and StormAugust 24, 2012 at 6:41 AM
oh helen im so so sorry, i heard about you over at cowspotdogs. its so terrible whenever you lose your loved ones but take comfort in the fact that you were with him and Dawn is right its always best to be able to go in your own surroundings where you feel safe.

Thinking of you

Charlene and Stormy
xxx
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Lassiter Chase and BenjaminAugust 24, 2012 at 9:17 AM
Helen, we are sorry to hear about the loss of Tucker. You did the right thing by being with him and comforting him and wanting what was best for Tucker. Sounded like he peacefully went to sleep close to your heart. You were with him at the end -- and he will be forever close to your heart.
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Agility Blessing

May the tunnels not have too much suction,
May the course be fun and fast.
May your dog not stop to say "hello" to the photographers they pass!
May the table not be too slippery,
May the chute house no scary beasts,
May all the yellow parts be touched with one little toe, at least
May the wind be always at your back,
May no bars fall on the ground,
May the A-frame have no stop sign on the top,
May the judge's whistle never sound.
May your dog obey all correct commands,
And ignore the ones that are wrong.
May your heart be light, your feet be sure, and the bond with your dog grow strong.
At the finish line, may great joy abound, regardless of your score,
You have your dog, your dog has you, and who could ask for more?

Written by: PJ Hughes

What is a Title!

Not just a brag, not just a stepping stone to a higher title, not just an adjunct to competitive scores. A Title is a tribute to the dog that bears it, a way to honor that dog, an ultimate memorial. It will remain in the record and in the memory for about as long as anything in this world can remain. Few humans will do as well or better in that regard, and though the dog himself doesn't know or care that his achievements have been noted, a Title says many things in the world of humans, where such things count.

A Title says your dog was intelligent, and adaptable, and good natured. It says that your dog loved you enough to do the things that please you, however crazy they may have sometimes seemed. And a Title says that you loved your dog, that you loved to spend time with him because he was a good dog, and that you believed in him enough to give him yet another chance when he failed, and that in the end your faith was justified.

A Title proves that your dog inspired you to have the special relationship enjoyed by so few, that in the world of disposable creatures, this dog with a Title was greatly loved, and loved greatly in return. And when that dear short life is over, the Title remains as a memorial of the finest kind, the best you can give to a deserving friend, volumes of praise in one small set of initials before or after the name.

A Title is nothing less than love and respect, given and received, permanently recorded.

Written by Sandy Mowery, Wisconsin

The Last Battle

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

Author Unknown

Beyond the Rainbow

As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,

I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.

I saw a wondrous image then of a place that’s trouble-free,

Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side

Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!

My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new

I wanted to run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, and tell you I’m alright

That this place is truly wonderful,

Then a bright Glow pierced the night.

Twas the Glow of many candles shining bright, strong and bold

I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,

We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.

So, whenever you need to find me, we’re never far apart,

If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Do you think the time is right?

May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's so hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.

I Loved You Best

So this is where we part, My Friend,

And you'll run on, around the bend.

Gone from sight, but not from mind,

new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on; I'll find the strength,

Life measures quality, not its length.

One long embrace before you leave,

Share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,

But they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

Will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

Take with you this...I loved you best.

-Jim Willis

The Price We Pay

There is a cycle of love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals.

It is a cycle unlike any other.

To those who have never lived through it's turnings and walked it's rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with the full knowledge it will be broken seems incomprehensible.

Only we know how small price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given.

Suzanne Clother