Buddy’s owner was devastated to learn that he had only six weeks to live. Instead of sulking, she ended up making a list of things to accomplish, and the outcomes were far superior to anything anyone had anticipated.

Buddy, an Australian cattle dog who is 6 years old, has been told that he has terminal cancer in the form of lymphoma.

Emily Mochan, his owner, was beyond heartbroken.

“I got the diagnosis and was really distraught,” she said. When Emily was finding it difficult to accept the news, a friend offered this advice: Make his final weeks as enjoyable as possible by making a bucket list for him.

So she did and she made the decision to post it on Facebook so that those in the same predicament may do the same. More than 14,000 people followed the website called Buddy’s Bucket List and enjoyed Emily’s final journeys with Buddy.

Buddy had many adventures since Emily was very inventive.

“I did this and initially it was more just a coping mechanism,” the owner said. “I had 27 things and only thought I’d get support from friends and family who felt sorry for me.”

He got to sit in a police cruiser and don ridiculous clothes for photo shoots. He even “paw-painted” pictures on canvas.

He even earned the title of an honorary service dog to aid others and spread awareness.

Despite his sickness, which occasionally caused him to be sluggish and weak, he gladly took part in every activity. He even got to enjoy a day out on a boat and play in the mud. Everyone who followed their story was touched by it all.

“It just took off to the extent that I actually made a post asking for suggestions so we’d still have things to do in his remaining time,” Emily recalled.

Buddy lasted nine weeks longer than the veterinarian had predicted.

“I’d link to think that was because his life was just too good to give up early,” Buddy’s grieving owner said. They snuggled in bed together on his final night, even engaging in a few light tug-of-war matches.

Buddy’s bucket list only has one thing left unchecked: assisting other animals. But after his passing, he was still able to do it. Along with money she had gathered through a GoFundMe account set up in Buddy’s honor, Emily sent his toys and money to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSCPA).

Buddy ended up helping a lot of animals in need.

As a result of Buddy’s tale, people all over the world who were moved by it gave money to their local animal shelters in his honor. Other pet owners who were in similar awful situations were motivated to make their own bucket lists to help them say goodbye to their cherished animals.

Even though receiving a terminal diagnosis is never easy, making the most of the time left may help everyone say their goodbyes. Sending love to everyone going through this painful situation. Remember, there’s only grief where there was a lot of love.

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Source: The Animal Rescue Site, Upworthy