A Tribute for Tucker and His Family

Tucker G. Hoffarth. So many people knew about and loved him. But no one loved Tucker like his mom Catherine, his dad Robin, his brother Travis and his GSP buddies, Bailey Joy, Samantha and Boomer.  But Tucker loved them just as much. In fact, he picked them. 13 years ago, they had gone to a home to adopt a female pup but nothing clicked. Just as they started to leave, puppy Tucker sat by the gate, watching them go. He waited. Travis, at 3 years old cried, “Mom, look at him!” and, of course, Catherine melted and swooped him up. This lucky little pup had a home. And what a home it was!

Tucker had a blissful life with his family – running and playing with his dear Bailey Joy and then Samantha and Boomer, carrying multiple toys in his mouth, keeping watch over the yard from a window, making friends at the dog park (except those darned grey hounds!), watching that his mom was never too far away and, most important, cuddling and snoozing in her lap. A typical GSP in so many ways.

But Tucker was not typical at all.  He was one of the bravest and most resilient dogs anyone ever met or heard about. As he grew up, Tucker developed very severe allergies that were next to impossible to control, much less cure. He lived with these allergies much of his life. Catherine was relentless in her care of Tucker, sometimes making daily trips to the vet to help calm the allergies. She gave him daily baths or showers when she would sing to him.  His wonderful GSP ears seemed to take much of the brunt. They tried so many foods to help calm his symptoms but Tucker lost a lot of weight even though he ate heartily. He loved his food and used to scarf it so quickly they had to put toys in his bowl so he would have to eat around them. His allergies, however, were stubborn. But Tucker wouldn’t give in. He endured so much discomfort and pain yet he was happy, sweet, loving Tucker. Eventually, Catherine learned about Dr. Adams, a holistic vet, who treated Tucker with herbs and supplements and Tucker felt real relief. She commented to Catherine that poor Tucker had one of the worst allergy cases she’d ever seen. But momma Catherine’s devotion and great love for Tucker only grew. Robin and Travis were always there for Tucker, too. His family not only wouldn’t give up on him; they poured on the love and care.

With a compromised immune system, Tucker began to develop tumors, two of them cancerous, which were successfully removed. Tucker made many more trips to see his long-time, dedicated vet, Dr. Noone, who checked and often removed the tumors. He had good days and tough days, but he was armed with patience. How does a dog remain so sweet and happy through such on-going physical challenges? We would have to ask Tucker.

And if Tucker were still here with his family, he would surely tell us. He was such a talker, often barking to remind Catherine that it was time to eat. In fact, he loved to talk to her to get her attention. Tucker truly adored his momma, wanting to be with her no matter how he felt. He treasured lying on the couch with his head in Catherine’s lap. If she left the room, he jumped up to follow her and when she returned he was right behind her.

Tucker G. Hoffarth – truly a gift to his family – knew from the first day that these were the people he wanted for his own. But what Tucker didn’t know as he stood waiting and hoping was that there simply was no other family who would care for and love him as they would. He was a remarkable boy – so brave, resilient, and happy, even with his long-term health issues. Tucker is an example for all us to find joy in every day, in spite of on going challenges, and to show our love on the people we care deeply about. An important legacy. Thank you, Tucker.