Most dog parents will agree that our pets deserve the world. So, when a furry friend faces serious illness or the challenges of old age, bringing them comfort, joy, and special moments becomes a top priority. Small gestures like extra cuddles, a cozy place to rest, or a special meal can mean everything as our companions get older. Through a heartfelt video, an Ohio family showed just how they created a thoughtful bucket list for their hospice dog to make his remaining days truly special.
Hospice dog’s bucket list begins with a ‘surf and turf’ treat
Buster, an 11-and-a-half-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, was recently adopted from the Tuscarawas County Humane Society. According to his owner, Buster had been through a lot in life. He arrived in poor condition, and a veterinary exam revealed tumors on both his heart and spleen — most likely due to hemangiosarcoma, a fast-moving and aggressive form of cancer. Buster was also severely anemic and required an emergency blood transfusion and fluids to stabilize him.
Despite the grim prognosis, his new family has decided not to dwell on the time left but instead focus on making each day count. On May 24, they shared a video of the hospice dog enjoying the first item on his bucket list: a “full surf and turf meal.” A voiceover in the tone of an aged gentleman brought Buster’s inner thoughts to life in the video. The canine introduced himself and said his people are “trying to make sure every day is my best day.”
As the grill heated up, Buster’s tail started wagging in anticipation of the upcoming feast. When the plate was finally served, his excitement was obvious. His owner gently hand-fed him the meal, which included some steak and fish. After his dinner, the pup closed the video by announcing it was time for his well-deserved nap.
In the video’s caption, Buster’s owner explained that the canine had been refusing to eat traditional dog food, which made the surf and turf idea the perfect first bucket list experience to tick off. “Nothing like eating a $2 frozen burrito for dinner while your dog enjoys a full ‘surf and turf’ meal,” the owner joked in the post’s caption. For now, Buster is doing well and soaking up every bit of care, comfort, and delicious food his family can give.
