Over the years, we’ve noticed that anytime Tuck hears children’s voices, he looks up, looks around to figure out where the sounds are coming from and then pulls us in that direction. We had absolutely nothing to do with this behavior….it’s something wired directly into his DNA. Some dogs have it, some don’t. We’ve always had to watch him very carefully around really little kids, because even a big lick from Tuck can knock a little kid off their feet….to the horror of the parents and us. He also likes to put up his paw, as if to say “let’s shake”. We really have to watch this maneuver, as his claws are sharp (he badly needs a pedicure).

Lately, we’ve noticed that he’s getting better and better with really small children….a year old and maybe a little older. The kids see Tuck and we think they associate him with a big stuffed bear, which he is to us as well. They amble over and as if by magic, Tuck sits down. And then the magic happens. They come over and Tuck gives each one a big lick…followed by lots of giggles. Many give him a big hug, something he used to never allow. Now he does.

Yesterday, we walked into town to attend the annual museum fundraiser “Pancakes in the Park”. Lots of kids were there. We sat down to eat our pancakes and immediately the kids started coming over to Tuck. We have no idea how they find him…they just do. Children know things that we don’t, even at that young age. They hugged him, patted him, stroked his back and got lots of big licks (the only kind Tuck knows how to give). It was amazing to watch.

If you’ve ever watched a therapy dog, then you already know what I’m talking about. There is a communication that happens between certain animals and certain humans that is easily observable….we just don’t know how or why it occurs. It’s magic. Let’s leave it at that.

Cheers,

Wayne, Claudia & Tuck