Hearing a terminal diagnosis for a loved one is never easy, especially if it’s far too soon in their life. That’s just how Todd Burchanowski felt when he found out that Reyes, his eight-year-old dog, has incurable cancer. But he didn’t let the news bring him down too hard — instead he saw it as an opportunity to make the most of his final days with his favorite girl.
Since the fateful vet visit, Burchanowski has created the ultimate dog bucket list.
Today, I received the worst possible news…My dog and best friend, Reyes, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. As…
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Wednesday, December 2, 2015
On it are things from friends, family, and even strangers.
Another great day…Got a letter in the mail from a great person today that said “Don’t quit loving Reyes and loving life.” So what did we accomplish today?#31 Take a picture with the Bison
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Saturday, December 5, 2015
Scrub a dub!
#66 “Take a relaxing Bubble Bath”
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Wednesday, December 30, 2015
You can never have too many ugly Christmas sweaters!
#49 “Matching ugly Christmas sweaters!!”
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Thursday, December 24, 2015
Instant best friends!
#38 “Meet a cow!” A special thanks goes out to the Proctor family for making this happen!
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Sunday, December 20, 2015
Sometimes Burchanowski can cross two things off with one epic trip.
#28 “Visit Niagara Falls” and #41 “Go outside the United States”
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Tuesday, December 15, 2015
But the simple doggy delights are on the list, too.
12. “Watch a Sunset with my best friend”
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Sunday, December 6, 2015
A little indulgence is okay now and then!
#29 Eat fries from McDonalds
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Thursday, December 10, 2015
So is a LOT of indulgence.
#41 “Petsmart shopping spree”
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Monday, December 7, 2015
Reyes even got to star in her very own photoshoot!
Love the ears!!!
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Burchanowski understands Reyes may not be able to celebrate another birthday, so he threw her a party early.
#70 “Celebrate another birthday (early)”
Posted by Todd Burchanowski on Monday, January 4, 2016
(via Huffington Post)
He didn’t expect to have so much fun with Reyes over the past month, but Burchanowski told ABC News, “Sometimes in life you get stagnant, but by me doing all of these things with her, it’s kind of re-energized my life.”
He’ll have these memories with Rey for years and years to come. We hope they’re able to add and complete tons more bucket list items before Reyes passes.