Abandoned Dog With Terminal Cancer Has Bucket List

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — A Crystal Lake foster dog that has terminal cancer has been getting international attention after a local family took the pup in and started checking items off his bucket list. Jenny Leach, of Crystal Lake, has been fostering dogs for five years and has a soft spot for elderly dogs and dogs with special needs.

When she heard of a golden retriever, one of her favorite breeds, that had been abandoned at a parking lot at the Walmart in Joliet, she knew she needed to take him in. Theo had several masses on his body, including a grapefruit-size lump on his testicles, but she didn't know his exact medical prognosis when she brought him back to her home in Crystal Lake.

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It became apparent from the get-go that being in a home and around other dogs — Jenny and her husband, Scott, have two other foster dogs as well as several pets — was helping Theo. His spirits seemed to lift, and he wasn't showing obvious signs of pain.

"He's really happy when anyone comes home. When that leash comes out, he's ready to go, and he's having more good days than bad," Leech said.

Leech did not know quite how dire Theo's medical issues were initially, but after an appointment with a veterinarian, she learned Theo had testicular and pancreatic cancer. He also has lumps on his tail and on his toes, which have at times made it painful for him to walk. The doctor did not give him a life expectancy, but chemo and surgery were not an option for Theo because of his age — he is 12 years old — and how advanced his cancer is.

After his prognosis, Leech started thinking about ways to help Theo enjoy his time. While he's comfortable now, due to his various medical issues, that could change at any point.

Leach started posting about Theo on her Instagram account, which typically chronicles the lives of two of her dogs, Big Ben, an 11-year-old great Pyrenees-Labrador mix, and Tiny Tim, a 4-year-old Chihuahua. The Instagram page has more than 35,000 followers from across the world who get a kick out of seeing Tiny Tim ride on Big Ben's back when the dog goes swimming and other cute encounters and interactions between the two pups.

Leech realized how interested people were in Theo when she posted about a toy Octopus Theo is fond of. She'd tried to find a back-up octopus for him since he was "tearing through" his first one, but she wasn't having any luck at local pet stores.

Not long after, she learned 10 octopuses had been shipped for Theo to Chicago-based Live Like Roo, a non-profit organization that provides support and financial assistance to families whose pets face a cancer diagnosis.

From there, the bucket list idea was born, and Leech began asking people on social media what type of things Theo should check off his bucket list.

Ideas, and offers to make bucket list items happen, started pouring in.

So far, Theo has been on a blind date with a German shepherd named Sasha at Veterans Acres Park. He got to pose in Sasha's owners' plane afterward for a photo opportunity, and a local dog bakery packed a picnic basket full of goodies, including an octopus-themed cake, for the couple.

On Sunday, some of Theo's fans met for a special birthday party. Shari Hoffman, the owner of A + Dog Training, had never met Theo but decided to organize the get-together. About 15 to 20 people stopped out, and Theo got "tons" of presents and cake.

Theo also got a tour of the Nunda Fire Department, went for a boat ride in Wonder Lake, and met a pony that doubled as a unicorn.

In the coming days, Theo may visit a brewery and go for a convertible ride to check a couple more items off his list. Leech is hopeful that all the fun Theo is having keeps him happy and makes up for some of the sadness he may have experienced after being abandoned by his former family.

"I hope all these experiences are erasing the fact that he lost a family — lost something," Leech said. "