Jan. 1, 2002 is a day I shall never forget. On that day I lost my best friend and hunting partner, my beagle Tucker. I will never forget that day 12 years ago that we rescued Tucker from that "puppy farm". Tucker was weak and malnourished and was being fed that generic dog food in the black & white bags. The owner thought that only females made good rabbit dogs, and neglected Tucker. We put Tucker in the car, and gave him warmth, love, and affection on the way home that day, and he gave us the same in return for the rest of his life. We gave him premium dog food and he grew strong and beautiful. I took Tucker rabbit hunting and he was the best. I swear there was a smile on his face everytime he chased a bunny to me and I bagged it. He even retrieved some of those bunnies for me. I remember that Jan. day in 1992 that we went hunting and bagged 2 bunnies. We got home and the kids wanted their picture taken with him. He made 2 little kids very happy for many years, and they loved him so. Tucker never once even growled at anyone, and anyone who came in contact with him adored him.

On Jan. 1, 2002 Tucker passed away. Tucker, you never showed any signs of sickness and we had just gone hunting a few days before. I remember you going into that big brush pile and working so hard to chase that bunny out for me. I had looked so forward to many more days with you. Today, I buried you.

Tucker, I miss you so much! I want you to come back to me, but I know you cannot. Even in death, your coat was soft and warm, and I will miss holding you again. I will visit your grave and will keep it clean and beautiful. I believe in God and know that you are up in heaven waiting for me to join you some day.

Tucker, this is my final tribute to you. I want others to know about you and what a wonderful and loving dog you were. You gave our family 12 wonderful years. Please rest in peace and may God bless you.

I want to thank each and everyone of you who reads this post. Your replies are greatly appreciated and will let me know that I gave Tucker the honor and respect he so deserves. Tucker, here is that photo of us back in Jan. 1992 for everyone to see:

My thoughts and feelings go out to you. Someday the pain will stop but thankfully the memories will always live.

Sounds like great dog who will be missed very much. Everyone who has ever had a good dog knows what you are going through.
My condolences and best wishes for you and your family.

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Charlie;
So sorry to hear of your loss....I can empathize, as I had to put my water spaniel down a little over a year ago. I buried him near where he retrieved his first duck. I few days later I wrote this. Hope it helps.

GUNDOG'S 23RD PSALM

My master is my provider; I will have no wants.
He lets me roam bird filled coverts,
He leads me beside duck filled waters,
He knows my purpose in life.

He trains me in a manner of hunting that benefits us both.

Even thought the world is full of disease and cruelty, I have no concerns.
Veterinary care and clean food and water sustain me.

He brags upon me in the presence of other dogs and thier masters, and pets my head to show his pleasure.

My life is fullfilled.

Surely long walks and hunting trips will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in my master's heart forever.

Once again...sorry to hear about Tucker.

truley feel for you.I also have lost a very dear friend in the last year.
I have one that is 15 years old now,he can only hunt for about 20 to 30 min. now.I can't stand to leave him home,he begs so much to go.
he is the oldest in the pack now and it will be a sad day when he goes.
sorry for you'r loss.a new pup will help ease things,but never will replace Tucker.




I am not a hunter I am a whitetail population reduction specialest

remember keep your back to the sun, your knife sharp, and your powder dry.

It would be wonderful if all dogs were fortunate enough to have the life and love tucker was able to enjoy with you and your family.

Just as Mr. 16 Gauge put it so well.

It was Tuckers pleasure to serve you!.

He sounds like a dog I would have loved to meet.My feelings for someone who lost a fine pet go all out! What hapens now is up to you get another! To save another life is to give the love twice over.He will never be replaced but to give up the love in risk of those feelings again in the long run would be worse. When I lost my smokie I thought I couldent do it again. My Mother & Father kept on me till I got another.I couldent get back to the everyday Things we all must do.For 9 monthes I thought I had lost everything! Then I went to a local Pound and found someone who gave me everything back.His name is RUSTY. He is a Novi.(Novascotion Duck Tolling Retrever) and I was lucky to find him (two days from being put down at nine monthes old).I lost smokie back in 98 and if you see my sign in name heis still with me.