Elliot and Sophie Tucker

As a young girl, Aimy C. became enchanted by Corgis after reading Tasha Tudor’s Corgiville Fair. “I had not seen a Corgi other than Tudor’s uncanny illustrations” she writes, “yet once I found out they were truly a species, I knew I had to have one in my life. My many requests were met with rebuttals, so away went the dream for safekeeping. When finally I had the means and it came time that my husband and I were ready to add a canine to our small family, my dream came true in the form of  Elliot. Wonderful, fluffy, sweet and loving Elliot Baggins!”

“We chose his middle name in honor of Tolkien’s Hobbit as we thought a Corgi would be a perfect Hobbit’s companion due to their stature, bountiful personalities and love of all things edible.”

“What does this Elliot fellow like to do? It would be easier to list that which he will not abide or barely tolerates. The list includes grooming (which he requires regularly) trips to the vets and lettuce. This means the list of his likes is innumerable, but I will simply highlight a few favorites: food — with the exception of said lettuce — all other living beings, the beach, cuddling, having his ears rubbed and his back end scratched, frapping and all activity involving play, dancing and singing Happy Birthday. Did did I mention food? His favorites are peanut butter, avocado and fresh tomatoes from our garden, which he plucks right off the vine with his mouth.”

“Wait a minute” you say to yourself, “did I read that right? This Corgi sings Happy Birthday? Yes! In fact sometime during year two, he started chiming in when we phoned loved ones to wish them a Happy Birthday by singing to them. At first Elliot really kept tempo, but eventually he got so worked up by the singing that just saying the words sent him into a solo, sans any tempo.”

“He still sings today and has passed the baton to his younger sister and “partner in crime” — or should I say “partner in frap” — Sophie Tucker, whom I dare mention has not the smooth singing voice as her older brother. Nevertheless, the gusto with which she sings is not to be surpassed. What she lacks in tone she more than makes up for in performance.”

“Now perhaps you would like to learn a bit more about Sophie Tucker too, other than she is no Barbra Streisand. She is, however, a sweet girl that came to our family quite by chance, though I do believe it happened via divine providence. She was one of two remaining from a litter of twelve and  happened to be the breeder’s favorite, but he did not want to own an additional female. So I believe she was left last because she was waiting for us and we needed to find her. Found her we did, and despite some initial reluctance on my husband’s behalf she is now “Papa’s girl”. None of us have looked back since!”

“Sophie was to be my Christmas gift that year, and she is truly the gift that keeps on giving! She has been with us for just over five years and is of the same age. She is a true redhead; lots of spunk, energy, curiosity and independence … unless there is a firework nearby or a hovering thunderstorm, then she’s off to hide under the bed. Her full name (are you ready for this?) is Sophie Tucker Rosemary Flopsy Mopsy Baguette! But we usually just call her Sophie. Like Elliot, her list of dislikes is minor compared to her likes. Her palate is a bit more discerning than Elliot’s, but she shares the same love of food. Her absolute favorite activity in life is chasing a laser, and left to her own devices would do so endlessly. We have named the laser ‘Dot’. I can safely say that Sophie borders on obsession when it comes to herding Dot! She also enjoys a daily solo frap and a good “roly-poly” on the lawn.”

“Sophie and Elliot used to frolic and frap together regularly, but sadly Elliot is restricted to milder forms of exercise as he enters his senior years and experiences some health issues. They do take walks together and have begun swimming. Both adore water, but only seem to tolerate the swimming. We must do this for Elliot as he has the early onset signs of DM and needs exercise and stimulation, so Sophie Tucker joins him for moral support. Needless to say, the fact that she swims is a blessing for her parents because it provides her a good old wearing down!”

“Both Corgis are the delight of our household. This is not to say that they don’t present challenges. They can be prone to feigning ignorance and, therefore, to misbehavior. This usually prompts the response, “You are stubby. Not stubborn!” I find this comes with the territory of owning smart canines, as Corgis are wont to be.”

“However, most of the time they are nothing short of (pun intended) sweetness personified. We call them our furry anti-depressants, so full of love and willing always to provide it no matter the situation. For this we are grateful and try our best to show them how very much they are cherished and loved in return.”

“Passersby always stop us to say hello and comment on their smiles and what a cute pair they are. This is when we usually have to “educate” others about Elliot’s being a sable Fluffy. Most people are used to Sophie Tucker’s model — you know, the red and white “Queen’s Dog” —  and are astounded to learn that some breeders still destroy Fluffies at birth as they do not meet the breed standard. I am happy to report that Fluffies seem to be gaining in popularity as pets. This is not the least surprising as they are really nothing more than bundles of love wrapped in furrier coats! Anyhow, both “Fluff” and “Bunny” as they are affectionately known by us bask in the attention and affection of any passersby and are at the ready to receive and return it with great joy! So if ever you run across in your travels, please don’t hesitate to greet us.”

“To be sure, Elliot and Sophie Tucker have forever changed our lives. They have taught us about unconditional love. Because of them we laugh harder and we love deeper. We see things differently and this has had the added bonus of us appreciating all we share with them to the fullest. My husband is always thanking me for “teaching him Corgi”. I haven’t done that, Elliot and Sophie have. I just have great taste in dogs and husbands! Simply put, Elliot and Sophie Tucker are two of the very best friends and family members both my husband and I have ever known. How lucky we are! It only took 38 years, but as they say, the reward was worth the wait.”