Pet's Age
3 years 9 months

City
Hudson Falls

State
New York

Pet's Story
Tuckerman, Tucker Blue, Tucker Shark, Tucker -- my very best boy who is the dog that I never knew I needed. A few months after losing my 12 1/2 year old chocolate lab to an aggressive cancer in August 2020, I welcomed this sweet black lab puppy into my home and my heart. Born two days before my birthday, I found out about him when he was a day old and decided by the end of that day to get myself a present. Not only did he help heal my heart, but he also introduced me to world of dock diving and the most amazing community. From May to October, most of our weekends are spent at practice or competitions, and there is not anywhere that I would rather be. The DockDogs community is truly more of a family, and the bond that I have created with my boy through the sport is incredible.

Tucker took to the dock right away and has gotten quite good. He competes in all three disciplines -- Big Air, Extreme Vertical, and Speed Retrieve -- which classifies him as an Iron Dog. The photo I have entered is one of my favorites of him competing in Extreme Vertical. Taken by Beth Ellis Photography during an event at the Kittery Trading Post in Kittery, Maine, I have received both permission and support from Beth to submit this photo for the contest.

Based on Tucker's performance and rankings, we received invites to the DockDogs World Championships in 2022 and 2023 but have been unable to attend due to the cost. Tucker ended the 2023 season as the 3rd ranked dog in his division for Big Air (in the world!) and has started the 2024 season off very well. We should receive another invite this year, and if we win the photo competition, this would allow us to attend.

Apart from the dock, Tucker is such a love! Of the many things I love about my boy, one of the things I adore most is his love of kids. Whether it's "making himself small" to say hello to a little one, going for walks through our local pet supply store with the owner's daughter, playing tug with three of a friend's kids at a recent dock diving event, greeting my neighbors' children when they are outside, or just being the best boy by allowing a shy kiddo to give him a hug or some pets, it is truly one of the times that he is at his best. This contest really just seemed like the perfect opportunity to highlight my boy while helping out children and families in need.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my boy. I hope you will also watch the video I have posted, which contains many more pictures of him on and off the dock.

Pet's Best Personality Trait
His enthusiasm and optimism. I always say that "Tucker doesn't care where we're going or what we're doing, he just wants to go and do!"

Pet's Favorite Thing To Do
Anything that involves being in the water (or snow).