Tucker
Tucker joined our family on April1, 1999. I was originally going
to be adopting Truman from Judy Stork or the next available wheaten
that would fit into our family (I have 2 cats and 2 children, ages
10 & 12). However, fate introduced Tucker into our lives. On March
15, 1999 I had to put Bailey, my wheaten of almost 15 years, to
sleep as she was not eating or drinking and going into kidney
failure. Putting her to sleep and staying with her while she got the
shot was definitely the hardest thing I'd ever done in my life.
However, from the moment I got home I began my search for another
wheaten.
 I
checked many Internet sites on a daily basis and was in frequent
contact with Jocelyn Marzo and Gwen Arthur. On Monday, March 29th I
spotted a wheaten listed for adoption on one of the Internet lists.
His family was relocating and couldn't take him along. They were
located in Akron, Ohio which is less than an hour away from myself
in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I called this family and learned
about Tucker.
I discovered that Tucker had lead a very difficult life. His
history is very sketchy. He was initially found being thrown out of
a car in Cleveland, Ohio. The family that found him couldn't keep
him and gave him to some friends or relatives who had a farm in
Akron, Ohio. He lived on this farm for awhile, but the family
already had many animals. So, he was adopted by the family in Akron
who placed the ad.
After talking with the family I called Jocelyn Marzo. Jocelyn
called the family and talked with them for quite awhile. She was
able to persuade them to let me visit Tucker and possibly
adopt/foster him. We arranged for us to come on Thursday evening,
April 1st.
By Thursday, the family was reluctant to give up Tucker. But, I
persuaded them to let us come out and see him. Well, one minute in
the house with Tucker and my children and parents were in love. He
was the cutest, most loveable wheaten we'd ever seen. His tail was
not cropped, and looked absolutely adorable long. The family was not
ready to let him go, but were going on vacation for 10 days to visit
their new city. I offered to dog sit Tucker while they were gone.
They were thrilled as they said they'd never seen Tucker so happy
with People other than them. So, off we went with Tucker, his food
and biscuits, his ball, his stuffed dog, his bed and his leash.
Tucker was immediately happy in our home. He loved the fenced-in
yard. The cats were fascinating and he loved the children and
attention. I spent many hours talking and writing to Jocelyn & Mike
Marzo and Gwen Arthur about how we could keep Tucker. It was
apparent that though he was physically well cared for, he was
emotionally deprived. He didn't even know how to play with a ball.
He was fed Purina Dog Chow once a day with an occasional biscuit.
Nothing else!! Well, it didn't take long for me to introduce him to
carrots, ice cubes, hamburgers, chicken, etc.... It was so rewarding
to watch him thrive in his new, fun and stimulating environment.
I was a nervous wreck on Sunday, April 12thwaiting for his family
to call and say they were coming to get him. They didn't call until
7 p.m., and by then I was exhausted from worrying all day. After a
short discussion the mother announced that they decided that Tucker
would be better off in our home!!!!! Needless to say, we had a major
celebration that night. The next day we took Tucker to Pet Supplies
Plus, bought him some toys and Nutro food. With the guidance of the
Marzo's and Sally Reuser from Nutro I was able to switch Tucker to
the Nutro food with a minimum of side effects.
He has now been with us almost a month and I can't imagine life
without him. He has settled down tremendously, but still follows me
from room to room (which I love). He no longer barks at every school
bus and truck that passes by, and he waits at the front door
everyday for the kids to get off the school bus. When the cats want,
Tucker chases them around the house, otherwise, he leaves them alone
(except to occasionally lick one of them). Tucker sleeps either on
my bed or right along side it. He is fed a mixture of Nutro canned
and dry twice a day, gets 2-3 long walks a day, and many car
rides!!!! Tucker knows he is loved and is an integral part of our
family. We look forward to sharing many fun and loving years with
him!!
Carol Lewicki
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