RIP, Tuukka

(2014–2016)

We’ve had three labs in our family. Ellie (black) was analytical and athletic — the smartest of them. Teddy (yellow) was steadfast and honorable — the canine version of the guy you’d want your daughter to marry. And then Tuukka (our chocolate).

Tuukka was the life of the party. Always ready to go at a moment’s notice — and all day long — and then ready to cuddle and watch a movie when the day was done. He was always in the thick of things because from the day we brought him home, he didn’t want to miss a thing. He was the king of #fomo — if anyone was going anywhere, he was too.

I was probably closer to Tuukkie than Ellie or Ted. For most of their lives I was a commuter and away a lot. But I was here for every minute of this guy. And he was there for me, too. In fact, it would not be an overstatement to say that Tuukka essentially saved my life.

Early in his time with us, and with me now #wfh, Tuukka started taking me for daily walks. Oh sure, in theory it was MY job to take HIM, but in reality it was the other way around. He knew I needed to get away from my desk and my screen. It was life-changing for me in many ways. 

We could go for hours and miles — in our best year we topped 750 — with him off the leash and so completely in his element and, increasingly, me in mine. We trusted each other. We needed each other. When he got too far ahead, he’d turn around to make sure he could see me, or wait until he could. If he got focused on sniffing something amazing and got behind, I’d stop and wait until he would come running.

Tuukkie’s on a new adventure now. Go on ahead, puppy. I’ll find you. I always do.