How did Tucker come into your world?

In late 2011, we had been looking for a cavalier for our girls and couldn’t find any in South Australia. One of the breeders that we contacted here, gave us the name of a cavalier breeder in Tasmania who used to be in South Australia. We contacted her immediately and fortunately for us, one of her dogs had just had a litter. The breeder was very particular about the home that her dogs went to and we were blessed that she got a good feeling about us. She had two little puppies that we could choose from and sent us pictures of both of them. We loved them both but had already decided that we were just going to get one. There was something in the eyes of this little pup that I chose that just melted my heart. He was going to be a surprise for the girls. When he was ten weeks old, he made the journey by air from Hobart to Adelaide via Melbourne. My husband and I went to pick him up from the airport and to say that I fell in love with him instantly would not be an exaggeration! He ran right out of the crate into my arms. We took him with us to the girls’ school to pick them up. When they got to the car and saw the new member of our family, their joy knew no bounds. All of us were one weeping mess! All of this happened almost ten years ago and since then, Tucker has firmly cemented a place in all of our hearts. For us, he is a very special member of our family. That is exactly what he is- FAMILY. He goes to most places with us and has travelled extensively within Australia. He gets walked at least twice a day and it is a pleasure to cook him gourmet meals as true to his name, he LOVES his food! In 2015, we made a trip to Tasmania with Tucker and went and visited our breeder who is now a good friend. We always thought that at some stage, we would get another cavalier from her but she has given up the business after decades what with age and an ailing heart.

How would you describe his personality?

Tucker is a very loving little dog with a lot of spunk. He is extremely intelligent and understands a lot of what I say to him as I talk to him all the time. Some of my neighbours say- He doesn’t just think he is a person, he is one!!

If he could tell us all something about you, what would he say?

Tucker would say that his family always keeps him safe and happy and loves him with all of their heart. He is one content creature and everyone who visits always says that he always looks like he is smiling.

What does he love to do the most?

Tucker loves his walks. He is a very social being who loves cuddles and strokes from his family and all the friends and neighbours who happen to cross his path. Food is also something that he loves.

What's everyday life like with Tucker by your side?

Tucker is the best friend that anyone could hope for. He is loyal, very sweet natured and like my little shadow. He follows me everywhere- be it to hang the washing or do the ironing or whatever. He loves going out in the car too.

How has having Tucker changed your life?

Having a dog has changed our lives in several ways. For one, I gave up work to spend more time with him. Being with him is also such a great way to destress. My husband, the girls and I find that he is a never ending bundle of joy and always puts a smile on our faces and a song in our hearts!

Cavaliers are a breed that have a predisposition towards heart issues. Tucker has an enlarged heart which was diagnosed just over a year ago. According to us, this is because he is loved so much and has so much love to give! We treat every day with him as a blessing and cherish all our together times. As much as we would like dogs to live forever, we know that this just doesn’t happen. We are just so grateful that we have an incredible little dog with whom the journey of life has been and continues to be an absolute pleasure.

Tucker and Preethi