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Tucker- A Rescued Dog That Is Now Rescuing People
Post Date: 2/1/2009

In 2002, we lost a wonderful German Shepherd to cancer. Our family felt empty and wanted a German Shepherd puppy. I called several local breeders and no one had any puppies. But the last breeder I called asked if we would consider adopting one. I told her of course we would. She stated she was part of the GSRNC and just came from the Manteca Animal Shelter, where there was a wonderful looking male, who looked liked one of her show dogs. She stated he was about a year old, and very thin. Once we saw Tucker, we fell in love with him immediately and took him home 2 days later. The officer at the Manteca Animal Shelter, stated someone found him tied up to a stop sign in Manteca. In 2003, I lost my sister to breast cancer, which was devastating, but somehow Tucker sensed my grief and was always a comfort for me. When our family moved to Ceres, I discovered we lived just 5 miles from the Alexander Cohen Hospice House in Hughson. I thought it would be wonderful if I could visit with the patients, family, and friends, and share Tucker with them. He had a great calming and understanding affect on me, during my grieving, I was sure he could do the same for others. In 2007, I had Tucker certified as a registered Therapy Dog and shortly after, we began visiting, on a weekly basis, the Hospice House. I cannot tell you the impact the visits have had on me, and the difference Tucker has made to those we visit. The experience has been unbelievable, humbling, and heart warming. I never imagined when Tucker and I began this journey, the incredible experiences we would have. In June 2008, Tucker was voted 'Hero of the Year - in the Animal Category' by the American Red Cross, for the work that he does as a Therapy Dog. Tucker and I love doing our visits at the Hospice House and wish we could do visits all of the time, but because I work full time, I am limited to the time I can volunteer. Last Christmas, Tucker and I visited the pediatric unit at one of our local hospitals. After we finished in the PEDS unit, a nurse from the adult wing, asked if we would visit that wing, which we did. Both visits were unforgettable. I have always stated, whoever lost Tucker, lost a wonderful dog. Our family feels so blessed to have him in our lives. I am often asked how I trained Tucker to be a Therapy Dog, as he is so calm, gentle, and has the since someone needs his love. I simply tell them, this is just Tucker. He has always been this way. Tucker has become an ambassador for Therapy Dogs, as we meet new people during our visits, I am asked how their dogs can become a therapy dog. Therapy Dogs are used for many different things. There are reading programs at libraries and schools, where children with reading difficulties read to the Therapy Dogs and as a result, the children's reading levels improve because the dogs do not interrupt or criticize their reading. Therapy Dogs are now being used with our troops, in the Middle East. Tucker's story is amazing. He was a dog who was abandoned and then rescued and now he is rescuing others, during a most difficult time in their lives. What a wonderful contribution Tucker has made since his rescue! - Patti E.

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