Now that we're getting into fall, the second season of golden/lab shedding begins!  I like to tell people that Tucker sheds heavily twice a year, for six months each.  I like his winter coat, though, and I know he's happier in the winter to be outside romping around!

Tuck continues to mature into a calm adult dog.  He's still exuberant, and my wife commented the other night how he's "ready to go" at a moment's notice no matter what's going on weather wise, or otherwise!  I've been working nights in September and as such, our routine is all messed up.  Has that phased Tucker?  NO!  He wants his run and he wants his walk every day!  Good thing he's around to keep me in shape.

Speaking of "my wife commented," I recently got hitched.  Tuck has bonded even more with Carolina, and her with him, now that she's a full time member of the pack.  Lucky dog, he gets two people who love walking him around all the time.  Tuck likes helping her garden, and seems a little more protective of her than of me.  Good boy.  Pic is of her and her new buddy!

I continue to advocate for RAGOM when people are talking about getting a dog, particularly a golden or lab type retriever dog.  The whole time, I felt like I was working with good people who had genuine, good intentions.  Browsing the pet section of craigslist makes me sad, to see all these people selling dogs because they're tired of them.  Those problems will always be present, but thank you, RAGOM, for doing your part.

Since I'm sitting here on call for work (it's 1:15 am), I think I'll wake Tuck up and take a nice night time stroll through the neighborhood.  Tuck will be stretching out as soon as I think walk in his presence.  They just have a way of knowing, it's so cool.

- Matt and Tucker, aka Tuck, Tucky, Big-T.

Hi -

I recently contacted the "foster mom" of my RAGOM dog and she informed me to send a happy ending update! Since Tucker (08-058) is so young (3.5 years) it's hardly an "ending" but here goes...

I first met Tuck when my brother and I went to Theresa's house to meet him. He was a big, one year old dog (and is even bigger now!), and a bundle of energy. He hardly paid any attention to us, he was busy bugging his FM for treats and wrestling with the resident dog. Still, I was looking for a high energy dog to be my walking and jogging partner, maybe a hunting partner, but for sure a fun loving dog with "spit and vinegar" in his system. Well, I told Theresa "I'll take him" and we arranged to pick him up the following Saturday morning. He was the first and only RAGOM dog I met...

My dad and I went down to Chanhassen to get him around 8 am that morning. We were photographed together and then set out for a walk on this very cold March (2008) day. Tuck didn't know much about walking on a leash and kind of freaked out a couple times. I still have no clue why. Anyway, he jumped into my vehicle and off we went! As soon as we got home, I gave him a leashed "tour" of my house, and we set off on another walk to explore the new neighborhood, which was likely his first excursion into an urban area. Anyway, we walked for two hours, I then got him home and got some food in his belly. He took his first poop in the yard, too. He whined to come back in but we ignored him and he did his business. A fast adjuster!

At first, he was disobedient and insecure. It took a couple weeks for him to figure out who was the boss, that my home was his new one, and where his place in our pack was. But, I left him home all day while at work that first week, no kennel, and he did great! We started obedience school in May and he just loved it. It made a huge difference; he became a better listener and generally just "figured out" what I expect of him and what his role is.

Later that spring, he and I got into a routine where we went walking every single day before work. We've now been jogging, but that morning time is just ours and easily my favorite time of the day. We do it rain or shine, cold or hot, snow or ice... Every single day. It gets both of us on the right page to attack our days. Me at the office, him napping and patrolling the house. When I get home he walks again with me or a family member. At least an hour per day of walking/running/hiking/swimming/off leash fun/dog park/etc. has turned him into a very fit, calm and submissive dog who is simply likable, and a joy to be around.

Recently, my brother moved out of the house. It was a big adjustment for Tucker and I, but as usual, we got through it. Our routines are a little different, but Tucker makes the perfect roommate. He doesn't steal food or rummage through the garbage. He sleeps in the basement, but comes upstairs when he hears me walking around. Tail wagging, he gets some food and water, a quick visit to the backyard, and we're off! He even starts stretching when I grab my shoes, he knows full and well that we're going jogging.

What I've learned about Tucker, and likely all dogs, is that bad days and good days come and go, girlfriends come and go, changes take place, tragedies occasionally transpire, and people, places and things enter and exit our lives. One thing that is constant, though, is a wagging tail and contagious excitement and happiness, every time I come home from anywhere. Besides that, he's an enthusiastic travel companion, camping buddy, canoeing partner, and just all around good friend. He's irreplaceable and has brought joy not only to my life, but to the lives of others as well.

Thank you, RAGOM, for bringing Tucker and myself together. He's impacted lots of lives in a positive way and will continue to do so throughout his long life.

Matt and Tucker

Leaving for China...
Yes, this is the life	Valley Park
Tuck swimming

Happy Birthday Tucker!  Tucker is one year old and he celebrated his first birthday with his foster family.  We were priviledged to celebrate his special day with him.  Tucker made his birthday list and had the following wishes listed:  a kong full of treats, a marrow bone, two new tennis balls, hugs and kisses and a forever family.  He got all of his wishes, except for the last one :  (  I told him we are waiting for that special family that will love him forever and he looked at me with those big, brown eyes and I could have sworn he said "Okay, I will be patient because I like hanging out here and I know my new family will be worth the wait!".  Boy, those eyes can really talk, huh!

Tucker says he would like the following in his forever family:  someone who will be his master committed to exercising him, someone who will take him to obedience classes because he is so smart and can show that intelligence to everyone, a fenced yard so he can be outside and leisurely sniff around and not get lost, someone who will appreciate his sweet and sometimes goofy personality and lastly someone who will cuddle and love him forever.  We know that special family is out there somewhere.  Until then, Tucker will be hanging out with us, playing with his girlfriend Penny, enjoying being outside laying on the deck, eating snow and chasing balls!

Thank you for following Tucker's journey.

Scene of the crime:  Living room in a suburban neighborhood

Evidence:  one strappy, off white summer sandal – worn once; one black high heeled leather boot – never worn

Subject: 11 month old GR/Lab, 33 ¼ inches in height, reddish furr, big brown eyes, sweet forgiving face, goes by the name of Tucker AKA Mr. Shoe Chewer

Evidence entered into investigation – refer to pictures labeled No. 1 & No. 2

The evidence was entered into investigation at approximately 5:23 pm and the “Subject” was caught red handed.  The investigators determined that Subject Tucker AKA Mr. Show Chewer requires the following:  a marrow bone, many kongs filled with peanut butter upon their departure  :  )

Investigation was wrapped up by puppy kisses by Subject involved  :  )  The investigation also determined that Foster Mom found that Subject, Tucker AKA Mr. Shoe Chewer is not perfect as previously stated.  This has been determined to still be Subjects’ only fault  :  )

Evidence discovered #1	Evidence discovered #2
Subject caught “red-handed” with evidence determining the guilty party – Sorry Foster Mom…I love you  :  )	Subject AKA shoe chewer with the basket of MANY other chew toys at his disposal
Mentor showing Subject appropriate chewing!!!

Tucker will be at PetCo in Maple Grove on Saturday from 11 -2.  Come on out and meet this big, soft, silly and loveable puppy!

I TOLD you this is MY “Mad Kitty”, now LET GO!!!	Celebrating Minnesota Hockey Day!!! Tucky did not want to dress for the occasion!
Bambi loses her leg  :  (	Handsome Devil  :  )

FM is letting me do my own update today!  Well, I went to the veterinary office yesterday and I was pretty anxious.  First, that thing they call a Gentle Leader, yeah, HATE IT!!!  I only like it when I am walking and I do pretty good, but when I am inside, I like to greet everyone, human and furr alike and that is apparently not allowed (FM is a party pooper)!  Needless to say, FM and I got “sent to the corner” and I was not too happy about that!  I liked the techs and they said I was so handsome and they gave me lots of treats :  )  I got micro chipped and had a “poop sample” done, got the A-ok on my ears, no infections!  FM tells me that Penny Rose and I get to do a really fun thing on Wednesday all day, so I will report on what that is later.  I have some new “facts”about me!  We found out that my real weight is 78.6 pounds, I am a big guy!  I have really nice teeth too!!!  
 
I am a GReat sleeper and FM says that she loves that about me!  The other night I wandered downstairs and plopped myself down in the kitchen for the night and in the morning I came upstairs, jumped on FM’s bed and just sat there.  FM thought that was so sweet  :  )  I love to wrestle with my foster sister, but she is on the border of being a “senior dog”, so she usually quits before I want to  :  (  We play ball outside and we also like to hang out on the deck and look at what is going on in the neighborhood.  There is neighbor furr butt, she looks like me because she has short hair, and I like to watch her chase the ball too! 
 
I went to work with FM on Sunday and although I wanted to explore, she closed her door and I rested in her office.  When we left the office I went in the elevator with some other people, now that was funny!
 
Thank you for reading up on sweet, handsome, adorable ME!
 
Love and puppy kisses,
Tucker AKA Tucky, Long Legged Boy, Silly Boy and Puppy Face! 

Isn't that the "sweetest little baby face"?
	Fast asleep....