The past few weeks have been a learning experience for me.
I’ve been filling in here at the Mission Record and it’s been a whirlwind trying to get up to speed on the local political scene as we covered the civic election.
People have been extremely friendly and helpful, especially the Record’s energizer-bunny publisher Karen Murtagh.
Karen seems to know everybody and everything going on in Mission.
One important citizen she introduced to me the other day has four legs, big eyes, and is in need of attention.
The name is Tucker and he’s a springer spaniel who can be found wandering downtown Mission on most days with his owner.
Tucker dropped by the Record office and so work ground to a halt as we surrounded him to pet and gush.
I then looked up and noticed five people standing outside our office and pointing at Tucker.
They clearly knew who he was.
Tucker wandered over to the window to be adored by his fans and they went wild.
Tucker’s owner then opened up the door and Tucker went outside to be showered with adulation. After a few minutes, he poked at the door, asking to be let back in.
This is, apparently, just routine for Tucker, which begs the question if Tucker is actually the most famous dog in Mission.
He’s certainly one of the most popular.
Later in the day, I strolled through downtown and went into the Candy Shack, the business where you can find Tucker on most days.
READ MORE: Opinion: Mission is a smoke-filled nightmare. We need changes
There, Tucker sits and relaxes as customers give him pets and love.
I bought a few pieces of candy, a Coke from Mexico and went on my way after saying goodbye to Tucker.
Downtown Mission is filled with these kinds of welcoming businesses. It’s nice to see an area thrive with small, independent businesses that give you a break from all of the big box stores.
These kinds of areas really make a town special.
Dogs like Tucker are a big part of it.
@shinebox44
chris.campbell@missioncityrecord.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.