Pup With Bucket List Is A Finalist For Reader's Digest Contest

CRYSTAL LAKE, IL — The Crystal Lake pup who warmed hearts around town — and around the world — is now up for national recognition. Theo, a Golden Retriever with terminal cancer, has been living with his foster parents, Jenny and Scott Leach of Crystal Lake, for more than a year after he was found abandoned in a Walmart parking lot.

The Leaches, who have a soft spot for senior pets and have fostered many over the years, took Theo in, but veterinarians were not optimistic that Theo had long to live. So, the Leaches decided to make the most of his time here and created a bucket list that any dog — and even many humans — would be envious of.

Since then, Theo has met the Grinch, Santa Claus and "Elvis," has had his own birthday, attended a local 5-year-old's birthday party and met his newborn nephew, Cam. He's fallen in love and been on a blind date. He's been on TV, the front page of a newspaper, on the radio, and he's received fan letters from around the world. Theo's also been the main model in a photo shoot, been sworn in as an honorary K9 dog, and was picked as Hot Dogger Du Jour with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

His bucket list, and the love Theo has drawn from strangers across the United States, has caught the attention of Reader's Digest. The publication has picked Theo as a finalist in its America's Best Pet Palls contest in the best rainbow bridge category.

The contest is "a nationwide search for the animal friendships that make you laugh, cry, and purr," and, according to the magazine, "Reader’s Digest will be honoring the best in pet friendship in print, online, and on social media."

Online voting will determine the winner, and voting closes Friday. You can scroll to the bottom of Theo's story online to vote for him every 24 hours.

"We are a little late to the game on gathering votes and could use your help. We need your votes," according to a post on an Instagram page managed by Jenny Leach.

• Vote for Theo Here

We last checked in with Theo in December. At that point, he continued to check off accomplishments from his lengthy bucket list as he made a name for himself locally. He got to enjoy the area's largest "pup cup," which is a cup full of whip cream, at the downtown Crystal Lake Starbucks. His fame prompted Dogs 'n Suds in Ingleside to reopen for a day in October so Theo could host a special meet and greet with "Elvis." And Julie Ann's Custard released a dog ice cream called "Theo's Bucket." Theo was invited to taste test the ice cream, which is a dairy free peanut butter ice cream with bone meal layered with freeze-dried sardines and freeze-dried beef liver.

Theo's story was among the most popular articles shared on Crystal Lake-Cary Patch in 2020. You can read more here:

• Despite Cancer Diagnosis, Theo The Dog Is Living His Best Life
• Abandoned Dog With Terminal Cancer Has Bucket List

We've reached out to Theo's owner for an update on the pup. Check back to Patch for more updates by signing up for our newsletters and following us on Facebook.

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