Tucker was a gift which arrived as my husband and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary. I originally wanted a female, but fell in love with this rambunctious, but sensitive little sweetheart. He was such a joy that brightened our days. As a pup, he was sensitive and nervous which is normal for his breed. Mostly he got worked up in the car, always getting car sick. He required constant attention and whined if he did not get it. So, a year later we decided to get another shetland sheepdog to keep him company especially when we couldn't be there. This time we got a female who we named Madison. Tucker loved her so much from the moment he laid eyes on her. They were like two peas in a pod. Always chasing and wrestling together. They had a blast. Tucker protected her as if she were his pup. Of course we called her his sister even though they weren't biologically siblings. Life was great and we enjoyed every minute of it. Then just before Tucker turned 2, I found out I was expecting my first child. We were thrilled. It was funny because I think Tucker knew some how. He never left my side always acting as my protector. Shortly after Tucker's second birthday (and at the time I was 7 and 1/2 months pregnant) Tucker got very sick. He started vomiting violently. We were not sure what was happening but later found out that the vet suspected he had pancreatitis which he most likely inherited. It was very scary. I thought we were going to loose him then. He was hospitalized to be hydrated from the vomiting. He returned home bouncing back only to continue this vicious cycle of episodes. We needed to get to the bottom of this and no one could give us definite answers. They suggested we have him scoped to see what might be going on. At this point we were afraid to put him under due to all the stress had been experiencing. In short, I ended up doing extensive research via the internet to try to get to the bottom of his condition. My findings revealed that a diet of I/D may lessen and reduce the episodes. This did help and we saw a lot less vomiting. My concern of course was, is it normal for a dog to vomit on a regular basis? It just didn't seem to make sense. At which point I decided to switch vets via a friend's advice. This I will always regret. Although I did not know this at the time. In short, we saw this vet over a period of three years. During this time, I continued to address this vomiting concern, only to be told that this was being managed by his diet. Tucker's last visit to the vet was on my birthday, July 31, 2004. He was just a little over seven at the time. Again I expressed concern that he had been vomiting for 5 years now. I was worried that it could be taking a toll on his body. The vet reassured me by completing what he called a senior panel of bloodwork. I thought I would get some answers. The vet said they would call with the results. They never did,so I called. I was told that everything was normal. That year we did start to notice some difference in our Tucker boy. Now having 2 children who he just adored, Tucker began to nip at them. He also became a scavenger, trying to get at any and all food. We thought it might be a competitive thing between our female and him. He also seemed to sleep more which we contributed to aging. In March of 2005, we went on a family vacation over the Easter holiday. Tucker and Madison stayed with my parents whom they knew and loved dearly. My mom had Easter at her house. During the festivities and all the company, Tucker managed to pull a tray of cookies off the table inhaling as many as possible before he got caught. My mom panicked as she knew his history. That night which was Sunday Tucker began to vomit. My mom called and told me what was happening. I tried to talk her through the process as we had been through it many times. Monday my mom reported that Tucker was not getting any better despite my suggestions and she was getting scared. I told her to take him to the vet where he was hydrated and bloodwork was taken. I was continuously updated by the vet via cell phone. I was told that they needed to complete a barium test to figure out what was happening. The test revealed that Tucker had an intestinal blockage. I knew this could not be good. That was Monday evening when I last spoke with the vet. He suggested that Tucker be taken home for the night and brought back in the morning for testing. (a sonogram) I agreed since I knew how nervous and stressed Tucker got. My parents feeling helpless (as well as myself) decided to go to my home and get a t-shirt with my scent on it. This seemed to comfort Tucker more than anything. They assumed he was stable of course, but as we now know his organs had already started to shut down. Sadly to say, that same evening only a few hours after Tucker came back to my parents home, he took his last breaths and passed away laying on my T-shirt. Tuesday morning, I got the news and was in disbelief. Tucker was kept frozen at the vet's until we arrived home 6 days later. We buried him in the backyard after a very emotional good-bye. After that I believe I was angry and wanted some answers. I requested all of Tucker's records only to find out that there were obvious red flags indicating health conditions that were not treated. I consulted numerous other vets in the areas which all agreed that Tucker had pancreatitis that went into diabetes. There were also x-rays that my original vet said indicated an enlarged liver. The other vets who were consulted saw an enlarged heart and small liver on the x-ray. I was shocked and angry. There were also indications of secondary organ problems (liver, kidneys, and intestines) from the pancreatitis. Pancreatitis from which I now know could have been treated. I feel that I was deceived. I wish I knew and could have helped my sweet Tucker boy in the end. His heart being so enlarged was indicative of the diabetes. In the end he had the hugest heart in the world. He loved so much and so freely, never complaining,even when he was sick. The only good thing that came from Tucker's death was the discovery of kidney problems in my female. Had Tucker not passed away, I would be with the same incompetent vet. My current vet picked up on this right away after I requested extensive testing. Maddie, the female is now doing very well and has normal kidney function. She misses her buddy so much though. Thank you Tucker for being our best friend. We will NEVER stop missing you. You were my heart and my soul. When you a died, a piece of me and my heart died with you. The only thing that gets me through the days is the promise that one day we will meet again. Until them my angel, go and be happy and pain free. You deserve the best. You were too good for this world! Know that I love you and watch over me until that final day when we will meet again! Fly into heaven's arms now and be safe until that day when I can once again hold you in mine!