Dogs are supposedly “A man’s best friend” and I find this statement to be quite accurate as my dog Tucker has been by my side for as long as I can remember. Tucker is a beagle, Jack-Russell mix that my family adopted in the spring of 2009. Seeing as we rescued Tucker when I was such a young age, he has always been a part of my family. I value Tucker as more of a family member than a possession. 

Tucker is like the brother I never had, he always knows how to cheer me up when I’m sad and shows affection by cuddling with me every night and sleeping at the end of my bed.The other reason Tucker is a family member is how he has helped me get through the toughest times of my life, whether it was my sisters leaving for college or my parents’ divorce, Tucker has been with me every step of the way. 

I also love Tucker for being a constant in my life, a lot has changed in the 13 years I’ve had him:  friendships, relationships, interests, etc. Even though a lot has changed since Tucker was adopted, there are still some things that haven’t: Tucker still needs three walks a day, he still jumps up to greet me everyday when I get home from school, and he continues to wake me up every morning with his barks. Another constant in Tucker’s life are his small mannerisms, whenever I am watching TV, he snuggles up close and barks when a dog comes on the show. 

Recently, Tucker’s age has caught up with him, he can’t run as fast as he used to, his balance is fading and he can barely jump. Tucker is clearly not in the same physical condition as he was when he was younger, his body is starting to fail him and my whole family knows it is only a matter of time until he goes on his final walk. 

With his increasing age, I have started to become more thankful for Tucker and I’ve been reflecting on our memories together. Tucker has fully implemented himself in my family and me don’t know how I could’ve grown up without him. 

If your family is looking to rescue a pet, here is a link to Sterling Shelter, the rescue shelter that my family adopted Tucker from: https://www.sterlingshelter.org/