Every day’s a treat for dog with a bucket list
AN old dog is merrily working his way through a ‘bucket list’ of treats devised by staff at a pet sanctuary.
Staffordshire Terrier Zach is 16 and suffering from a several medical conditions.
McDonald’s burgers and a trip to Blackpool are among the items on the list at Dogs 4 Rescue sanctuary in Eccles, Salford.
Staff decided to draw up ‘Grandad’ Zach a bucket list after realising his health was taking a turn for the worse due to his Alzheimer’s and spondylosis, a spinal cord condition.
The dog has been living at the shelter since October 2018, after Dogs 4 Rescue founder Emma Billington, 41, rescued him from a pound when he was due to be put down the next day.
She said: “Grandad Zach’s bucket list is about enriching the last few weeks of his life.
“We don’t know exactly how long he has left, but we can see he’s slowing down and getting more tired.
“We wanted to cram all the things he loves into it. Grandad loves getting out and about and going new places. He watches out of the window; he gets really pumped up.
“And as soon as we put a rare treat like a cheeseburger in front of him, he is filled with joy.
“People love him. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure and I’m so glad we rescued him.
“We took him out to a restaurant in Manchester recently and people loved meeting him in the flesh. He is a true character.”
Dogs 4 Rescue, a kennel-free and open-plan rescue centre, is currently home to 45 dogs, 25 looking for forever homes.
Emma said: “Zach has had an incredible life here and we love caring for him.
“He could have a week; he could have a month. He could surprise us all!
“One thing is for sure, it won’t be the same without his pitter, patter up and down here and there will be many broken hearts when the time comes to say goodbye.”