Tucker, aged 16, crossed the Rainbow Bridge Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. There, I pray he found his beloved and bonded fur sister, Lilly, who preceded him in passing September 10, 2020. To say he is, and always will be, missed, is a gross understatement. In his long life, Tucker met and loved so many people and animals. He knew no strangers. But I was his person, and he was the baby I was never able to have. As a baby, Tucker recovered beside me while I recovered from major surgery, all the while, he recovered from what we later found out was pancreatitis. He went on to travel with me everywhere, drinking in all the new experiences and adventures with a wonder and delight that I still strive for. He became my constant playmate, supporter, cheerleader, snuggler, naptime companion, and sharer of my daily banana and yogurt. He was by my side through so many happy moments. But he was also by my side through some of the darkest days of my life. He comforted me through rough break ups, a marriage then a divorce, cross-country moves (several times), the devastating losses of his fur siblings Zima, Akasha, Scout, Lilly, and D’Artagnan, as well as the heartbreaking loss of my dear Grandpa. In short, Tucker loved me through it all, and loved me even when I didn’t love myself. I may have rescued him, but Tucker saved MY life. His loss is overwhelming and the quiet is now deafening. Tucker’s last fur sister, Emma, got to spend one-day shy of his last year with him and she is lost without him. What does life look like without Tucker? Now I have to remember him for longer than I knew him. My sweet boy, your wings may have been ready, but my heart still isn’t. Thank you for choosing me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for every nap, every nose-kiss, and for showing me pure and loyal love. I’ll see you at The Bridge.