
The minute Andrew saw Tookie's picture on the Boxer Rescue website, it was love, and the minute Tookie met Andrew, the love was returned. Tookie always was Andrew's dog. Faithfully sitting on the couch waiting for his daddy to return home, he really only came to life when Andrew was around.
For 8 years Tookie filled our lives with love, laughter, fun, frustration and not just a bit of sadness as we watched his body break down, though his mind stayed sharp.
On Thanksgiving night we returned home to a truth we knew we would eventually have to face: Tookie's body had given out on him. He could not go on. He would not eat or drink and we knew he was telling us it was time. We sat for several hours, petting him, comforting him (and ourselves) the best we could before we made the final decision to take him to the Emergency Vet to be euthanized. In the end he was at peace, and I know he is frolicking at the rainbow bridge now, his body free of the arthritis that crippled him.
I am sad Olive will never know our gentle giant. Such a melancholy soul in a big, intimidating body. I just hope he knew we did our best to give him a good life.

Olive, Mom and Grandpa Gary
Olive and Auntie Lindsy
Olive, Mom, Great Grandma Cleo and Great Auntie Debbie
Olive and Grandma Margaret
Olive, Uncle Paul and Auntie Geri