Terminally Ill Dog Buddy Checks Last Item from 'Bucket List'

• Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts.

GROVELAND TOWNSHIP, MI – Buddy, the terminally ill dog that gathered Facebook fans from around the world as items were checked off his “bucket list,” died Monday.

Loren Cazan, an animal rescue volunteer from northern Oakland County who took the depressed dog in after the sudden death of his owner, announced the sad news on the Buddy’s Bucket List Facebook page.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I let everyone know that Buddy crossed the Rainbow Bridge today surrounded with love and hugs,” she wrote. “Over the last several days Buddy's health has taken a decline and today it got really bad and he looked at me and his eyes told me it was time. I knew it was inevitable but it doesn't make it any easier. ... He went very peacefully with hugs and pets and being told how loved he was.”

“When I found out his diagnosis I made a promise to him that he would never be left to suffer because I was being selfish and wanted him to stay,” Cazan wrote. “Of course, when the time came that was really hard because I haven't had enough time for his love, silliness, and joy.”

Buddy died on his last best friend and caretaker’s birthday.

“I'm so very glad I was home today from work for my birthday because that meant I got to be with him all day,” Cazan wrote.

Before the final trip to the vet, Cazan and Buddy stopped by Starbucks for a Puppuccino, a small cup filled with whipped cream.

See Also

• Buddy, Terminally Ill Dog, Checking Items from 'Bucket List'

Giving special treats to the dog was among the items Buddy had checked off after Cazan vowed to fill his last days with love and adventure. He also had a “date” with a younger dog, spa treatment and special permission to sleep on Cazan’s bed any time he wanted, a trip to the fire station, and lots and lots of ice cream.

During his last few weeks, Buddy informed thousands about the needs of often difficult-to-place senior dogs, said Cazan, who encountered him in the course of her rescue work at the A Rejoyceful Animal Rescue in Mount Clemens.

“I have a tremendous hole in my heart but I'm so grateful for the love Buddy has given me and having been the voice for seniors and rescue all over the globe,” Cazan wrote. “I will never forget him and his love he so freely gave me.

"He was loved by thousands of people and has forever left a paw print on my heart and that of many of his aunties in the rescue and people all over the world. I promise you, Buddy, that your legacy lives on for years to come for seniors who need our help and rescues all over. Buddy, you're my superman and I will always love you.”

Image credit: Buddy’s Bucket List Facebook page used with permission.