Pennsylvania Man Takes Dying Dog on Bucket List Adventure

PENNSYLVANIA -- A Pennsylvania man is taking his beloved dog on bucket list adventures after receiving news that her life would be cut short due to cancer.

"Sometimes in life you get stagnant, but by me doing all of these things with her, it's kind of re-energized my life," Todd Burchanowski of Erie, Pennsylvania, told ABC News. "I hope people can do this for themselves, or with their loved ones as well."

Burchanowski, 36, a high school teacher, said it was the day after Thanksgiving when Reyes, his 8-year-old female poodle/beagle mix, was diagnosed with terminal lymphoma.

"I was absolutely devastated," he said. "I love her to death and she's my best friend. I count on her for a lot of things, not just companionship. To hear she's not going to be around, that really took a toll on me."

Since Reyes was given two months to live, Burchanowski decided he'd make the time she had left worthwhile by creating a bucket list of exciting things to do before she dies.

Reyes bucket list consists of 81 adventures including a trip to Niagara Falls, a sled ride, a feast of McDonald's french fries, a swim and a shopping spree.

Even Burchanowski's students at Fort LeBoeuf High School in Waterford, Pennsylvania, helped him cross another item off the list -- have Reyes marry in a mock doggy ceremony.

"Reyes is so important in my life, in my family life, the kids [I teach] at school...I always have a Reyes story to tell," Burchanowski said. "I thought it would be a good idea if all the people in her life came up with an item for a list.

 

"I want everyone to know how much people have given to me and Reyes in this time under unselfish acts of kindness," he added.

Burchanowski said he and Reyes are continuing to cross more items off the list today by taking a trip to PNC park to take photos with statues of baseball players.

(Yahoo News - Dec 30, 2015)

Owner Creates Bucket List For Dying Dog

MINNESOTA -- Many people create a bucket list of items to do before they die, but one MSU student wanted to create one for her dog who was diagnosed with cancer and given just weeks to live.

Just like any dog, Sadie the Sheltie likes to play fetch.

She's as happy and playful as any dog, too

 

But just a few months ago, Sadie was diagnosed with cancer.

Olivia Anderson says, "I got her for my 11th birthday so I've had her for 11 years, she's basically the best companion."

And as the two have grown up together...

Anderson says, "She's been through everything with me and she's so loyal and so loving."

Olivia wanted to make Sadie's last days... her best days.

Anderson says, "This is my way of giving and thanking her for the years she's given me."

So Olivia created the doggie bucket list.

From motorcycle rides, to running 5ks, to seeing the holiday lights, Olivia wants to make the most of the precious few moments they have left together.

Anderson says, "There's no point in being sad and sulking. I don't want to make her sad because she picks up on that and this is my way of being happy about it and making sure she's happy every day she has left."

And she has a few items left.... that even we were able to help with.

To see more of her adventures: https://www.facebook.com/sadiesjourneythroughabucketlist/.

(KEYC News 12 - Dec 12, 2015)

Animal rescuers help cancer-stricken canine fulfill bucket list

WASHINGTON -- Edward is a dog with a lot of human friends. He needs them.

Edward has terminal cancer. His previous owners abandoned him when he got sick.

Enter the Motley Zoo dog rescue group. Something about Edward spoke to director Jme Thomas and volunteer Brooke Mallory.

Jme and Brooke took Edward on and made him a bucket list. On that list was a ferry trip to Bremerton - and a hot dog-for lunch.

Edward has undergone some chemotherapy, but at this point their mainly focused on making him comfortable and keeping him happy.

(KOMO News - Oct 21, 2013)