Theo’s story is a tear-jerker from start to finish. But it’s important to hear the sad tales so we can understand just how cruel AND compassionate people can be.
We’ll never know what inspired Theo’s owners to dump him in a parking lot – a senior, cancer-ridden dog with little time left to live. There are always better choices.
We’re just relieved to know there are people like Jenny Leech in the world.
She’s been trying to make Theo’s final days the best of his life. And despite being quite ill, the pup seems to know his new people are good ones.
But the 12-year-old wasn’t in great shape when he was recovered by animal control from the parking lot of a Joliet, Illinois Walmart. So it wasn’t a surprise when no one claimed him.
Luckily, BAARK Dog Rescue in Barrington, Illinois, took him in – and they knew his unique situation would require a special foster. That’s when they called Jenny Leech who specializes in senior and special needs dogs and is one of the few people who does hospice fosters.
“He has cancer nodules throughout his abdomen. The oncologist said he wouldn’t have long but would not put a number on him,” Leech said.
Theo joined Leech’s pack of 10 dogs, all living out their best lives with the generous foster and her husband.
These days, Theo is happy, fun-loving, and energetic on all of their family adventures.
He’s also the same dog you may have read about a few months ago that became obsessed with a $6 octopus that Leech bought him on the way home that first day.
He now has a lifetime supply of them!
Since then, it’s been one adventure after another!
Leech’s Facebook followers soon became obsessed with the adorable dog and his octopus and shared photos of him getting ice cream and burgers and chewing on big, fresh bones from the butcher shop (which, of course, are not things that you’d do for a dog with many years to live).
All of these special outings eventually led to the creation of Theo’s Bucket List.
“People started offering bucket list ideas; someone offered to take him on a boat ride, another took Theo for a ride in his Mustang convertible… it was just amazing,” Leech told WGN.
Yes, the list is there in part to amuse people, but the goal is to treat the dog with love, give him some joy, AND raise awareness of everything that dogs like Theo have left to give.
Can you imagine Theo simply languishing in a shelter until his final day? Sadly, so many dogs do.
Theo has received support from a foundation called Live Like Roo, an organization in Chicago that helps families cover the costs for dogs with a cancer diagnosis.
“So, Live Like Roo offered to cover all of Theo’s cancer-related medical care, which is huge,” Leech explained.
Roo was a dog that had cancer as well. And it was his owners who first created the kind of bucket list that inspired Theo’s.
“I just thought, with Theo, when we got home, he was so happy. Despite everything that had happened to him, he didn’t know he was sick, he was wagging his tail, and I thought, ‘He has life to live. I don’t know what his life was like before, but I want to make whatever time he has left amazing,’” Leech said.
And she has. Trips to the beach, tons of toys, delicious treats, and being surrounded by love – what else could any of us ask for in our final days?
Just look at the difference it’s made!
“He came for some purpose. I think people are looking for things and ways to feel good, and he’s giving people that chance,” Leech said.
And Theo’s adventures continue! You follow him on Leech’s Facebook page.
Just yesterday he got to meet rescue pigs, chickens, cows, goats, and horses and seemed to have a blast, even offering to share his beloved octopus!
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