Labrador Retriever
May 29, 1989 - October 19, 2003

Tucker was born on May 29, 1989. This wonderful yellow lab spent his first nine years in a loving home. After his 9th birthday, Tucker became homeless
due to the unexpected death of his owner. Fortunately, Labrador Retriever
Rescue, Inc. saw something special in him and accepted him despite his advanced age. While they had him, LRR found and removed a tumor, which made adoption even less likely for this “lumpy old dog”. Tucker’s chances were slim, but LRR persisted.

Meanwhile, Patty happened to see a TV show about Therapy Dogs and knew it was speaking to her…even though she had never owned a dog, and work and school more than filled her schedule. As soon as school ended, Patty started searching for her dog. She found Tucker’s picture and story on the LRR website, and with tears in her eyes, she knew. “Here was her dog, on borrowed time, just waiting for her”.

And so Tucker’s new life began: a huge fenced yard, dog beds on every level, treats, toys, obedience classes, and therapy work for Fidos For Freedom (at which he excelled). Patty also worked hard to make the transition from dog novice to dedicated therapy dog handler. Tucker enjoyed more than two years of bringing smiles to children in the hospital and older folks in nursing homes before retiring in 2001. Two years later, at age 14 ½, Tucker’s health issues finally caught up with him. His body may have given out, but he always maintained his spirit and dignity. On October 19, 2003, he crossed the Rainbow Bridge to join all his Fidos friends gone before him. He touched many people’s lives, and he is truly missed.