Little Ball of Love

My name is Tucker Dean, and I am almost 17 months old. I came to live with my mom almost a year ago. She had just had her buddy Drewpey put to sleep. Even though I don’t know exactly what that means, I know that she was very, very sad. And my other mommy knew that she needed to be loved again, so she gave me to her. I was a gift. The first time that she held me in her arms, I snuggled in real close and licked her face. She was so happy, and she laughed and smiled really big at me. That’s when I knew that I was home where I belong.

My mom spoils me rotten. And I don’t really mind at all. We walk every morning, and sometimes we even run. I didn’t think that Mom could keep up with me because I’m really fast! I have lots and lots of toys. I love my sock monkey and my stuffed snowman. But my very favorite is my suffed bear. I like to carry him everywhere with me — even outdoors to potty. I’m very careful with him, and I always lay him aside before I do my business. Mom doesn’t understand why I do this and tries to take him away from me, but I try not to let her. She says that she’s afraid that I might lay him down, forget to pick him up, and then some other dog might come along and claim him. But I would never do that because I love him so much.

I love to listen to music, and Mom sings to me a lot. I know how to sing, too! I love “Soft Tucker, warm Tucker, little ball of fur . . .” But my very favorite song goes “We will not be mean, little Tucker Dean . . . Mama’s little bean . . . We will not be mean.” My mom wrote it just for me!

She says that I am full of love and joy because I brought her those things the moment that she met me. And you know what? She gave me those things, too. I hope we’re together for a very, very long time. She’s my best friend!!