A Golden Retriever with terminal cancer is enjoying as much as he possibly can in the time he has left.
The 13-year-old dog called Theo is in the process of working his way through a bucket list of activities, compiled by foster mum Jenny Leech. Jenny, from Illinois, fostered the elderly dog after he was abandoned in a car park earlier this year. Theo’s love for life prompted Jenny to compile an enormous bucket list of things for him to experience. She said: ‘The bucket list ranges from the simple things in life such as a bite of pizza or a puppachino at Starbucks to starring on our local news TV show.‘He has been a guest to business opening nights, the fire station and even been in a small plane used for skydiving.
‘Someone also took him for a ride in their convertible which he loved so much.’
‘His reaction to new things and experiences prompted me to put a bucket list on Facebook – it grew from there.
Focus on the Human-Animal Bond. “Dogs and cats have broken down the walls of our hearts. There haven’t been comparable domesticated species in 5,000 years.” For Dr. Becker, it’s clear that pets and people have evolved to benefit each other. He explains, “When you’re petting them, you both get this massive release of oxytocin, prolactin, dopamine, and a decrease in cortisol. It’s a reciprocal biochemical spa treatment.” As they age, it can be easy to take pets for granted. Make time for a little human-animal bonding every day.
‘People have been so generous and have sent Theo new toys, treats and even hosted parties for him.
‘I want him to enjoy whatever time he has left.’
Vets haven’t given Jenny an exact time frame of how much longer Theo has left, so the mum-of-three is just taking each day as it comes.
Theo’s testicular cancer has now spread so he is unable to walk – but that hasn’t stopped him.Jenny added: ‘The generosity from others has been phenomenal. Theo wags his tail all of the time.
‘If he didn’t have external masses then nobody would even know he is sick.
‘He is loved by everyone and even my cat likes him!
‘I am so happy I fostered him and I plan on bringing him on more adventures whilst we have him.’