Obituaries

Tucker was brought home from Red Barn Rescue in the spring of 2017, the last of his litter to survive a tough battle with parvo. From the start, he proved to be a fighter with a heart as big as his paws.

He was Allison’s faithful companion through all four years of vet school. By 2019, Mike moved in with Allison right before her 4th year at NC State. Little did he know he was signing up to be third wheel in an already crammed queen sized bed.

After school, the family settled in Matthews, NC, where Tucker quickly became a favorite at McAlpine Dog Park, helping Mike and Allison join the tight-knit “Dog Pound” community. In 2021, the family bought their first home in Monroe, where Tucker discovered the joy of a backyard. His zoomies that first night rivaled Simba’s excitement in The Lion King when he found out everything the light touches (in the backyard) was his.

Tucker was proudly part of Mike and Allison’s wedding in 2022 as their “Best Fur-Man,” wagging his whole body in celebration while sporting his own built-in tuxedo. He continued to be the neighborhood greeter, a constant source of smiles, and, as Mike liked to say, the family’s Chief Morale Officer.

In 2024, Tucker was promoted to big brother when Goose joined the family. Though his own health challenges soon followed, Tucker never let illness dampen his joy. He still made lake trips, backyard sprints, and greeted every guest with his signature “stinky kisses.” Allison went above and beyond to keep him comfortable—yoga mats, inflatable beds, and endless cuddles ensured Tucker never missed a moment with his family.

On August 26, 2025, Tucker passed peacefully, surrounded by Mike, Allison, Goose, Weezy the cat, and his extended Brown Creek Animal Hospital family.

It would be easy to say his time was too short, but the truth is, no amount of years would have been enough. Tucker lived each day with boundless love, reminding us to do the same.

As Mike and Allison await the arrival of their first child this December, they find comfort in knowing Tucker has already taken on the role of Guardian Angel—watching over them with all the love, loyalty, and wagging joy he gave every day of his life.

Forever remembered as Tucky Dog, Tuck-Tuck, and Lord Tuckerton of the 33rd Tuckerford Shire—he was, and always will be, the bestest boy.