Tucker

Tucker was born on 12/23/2008 and encouraged Amber to adopt him as our family member by tugging on her sleeve.  After graduating puppy academy, with cume laude puppy honors, he entered the workforce with Knox Financial in 2009.  Within days, he established his connection with all members of our team and many of our clients.  Leading us to adventures, he first earned his title as "Chief Officer of All Things Fun."  He quickly realized that COATF is hard to pronounce, and amended his title to CFO -  Chief Fun Officer.

Tucker had unconditional love of his family, absolutely loved going for rides of any type, enjoyed playing with his human brothers, loved being in the sunshine, relished in all types of food – well, most except some vegetables, and was content just by being near those he loved. He enjoyed rolling in the grass and even the first few snowfalls of winter.   His daily routine at home included spending time with all family members, rolling in the lawn, and tending to his extensive collection of toys.  Amber would return the toys to his toy box each evening, while Tucker would spend the next day returning each toy to the spot he believed best. 

Tucker loved being with his family, he waited every evening in the window for the last one of us to get home. Then he was in bliss. He enjoyed the holidays as a child does, loved posing for the camera, and had many great adventures on our family vacations.  

Tucker thoroughly enjoyed each holiday season.  Christmas was a favorite, he dutifully guarded our tree for weeks and enjoyed opening his own stocking.  He indulged us by wearing special collars and outfits.  Halloween was also a favorite, Tucker believed the trick-or-treaters were coming to see him!  Tucker enjoyed being with his family and friends during these special times.

Tucker loved to travel.  A new hotel or landmark had so many places to investigate, and everywhere our family went was a new adventure for him.  Tucker visited 14 states with his family.  Tucker was content to spend time with his family, wherever that happened to be. 

In late 2019, Tucker began experiencing short seizures, beginning on Thanksgiving and happening again on Christmas.  Concerned this was more than "Holiday Excitement", Tucker, Amber and Jason consulted with experts.  After extensive testing, it was determined Tucker had a benign tumor impacting his neurological system.  It was believed a simple radiation procedure would help relieve Tucker of potential future seizures.  Tucker received radiation treatment for 3 days at Hope Veterinary CyberKnife in Malvern, PA.  The treatment was a success in that he never again had a seizure or neurological issue.  On the way home, Tucker enjoyed seeing the Chicago skyline at night.  He stood up and gazed at the lights all the way through downtown, amazed with all of the activities and lights.  After returning from his Pennsylvania trip, Tucker quickly returned to his usual puppy routine.  

It was his time.  On Monday, May 11, 2020, Tucker suddenly became ill.  Rushing him to treatment at North Fayette Animal Clinic, he was soon admitted to 24 hour intensive care at University of Wisconsin Madison Veterinary Animal Hospital.  Tucker continued to bravely battle his illness for over a week, before the illness wore him down.  Tucker passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2020, being held by his human parents, Amber & Jason, surrounded by his human brothers, Nate and Nick.  Tucker was fortunate to have great health for the majority of his life and blessed to have the best veterinary care in the last part of his journey.  Our family sincerely appreciates of all of the people that helped care for our Tucker.  Thank you.

Tucker was truly the best puppy we could ever have had.  Rest in peace sweet baby.

12/23/2008 - 05/18/2020   We were blessed to have Tucker in our lives for 4,164 days.

Tucker is preceded in death by his puppy parents, and his human sister Emme.  His survivors include his human parents Amber and Jason, human brothers Nate and Nick, human Nana Vicki, all members of the Knox Financial team, many neighbors and countless friends.  We appreciate Tucker choosing to adopt us as his human family.  Our time with him was a wonderful and amazing adventure. 

“Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened.”   – Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss)

We talk about and remember Tucker, not because we are stuck or because we haven't moved on. 

We talk about and remember Tucker because we are his, and he is ours, and no passage of time will ever change that.