Mark Hunt is known as one of the most ferocious fighters on the planet, and as one of the kindest and most decent.
Buddy, a seven-year-old Australian Cattle Dog, was diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year, and given only four to five weeks to live. Owner Emily Mochan set up a bucket list for Buddy, and chronicled the experience on a Facebook page with over 10,000 followers.
The list initially numbered 27, but quickly expanded to 50. The local SPCA set up a GoFundMe to finance the list. The bucket list included:
•Having his own photo shoot;
•Going four-wheel driving;
•Going on a boat;
•Eating a pie;
•Being published in a calendar for charity;
•Paw painting a canvas;
•Going for a run on the beach;
•Sitting in a police car;
•Visiting a spa:
•Going for a limo ride;
•Meeting someone famous; and,
*Helping other dogs.
Hunt helped out with #13, meeting someone famous.
Early this week, the vet informed Ms. Mochan that Buddy would lose his ability to walk this week.
“We made sure he had an amazing night,” she said.
“We brought him home and cleared out a space so we could camp out on the floor with him with the air con as cold as possible – that’s just how he likes it, playing mini games of ball and tug and just savoring all the cuddles, and happy memories before taking him in first thing yesterday.
“He went peacefully with no pain, surrounded by friends.”
“We managed to tick off all the things on the bucket list but one – the only thing was to help other animals,” said Emily to ABC Brisbane.
“I was waiting until he passed so I could pass all his toys and money we raised to the RSPCA.
“All his toys will go to shelter dogs … even though he’s not here with others he’s still helping others.
“He’ll finish his list as soon as that’s done.
“I can’t change what’s happened and it’s very sad, but I’m happy I can see some good come from it.”
“Everyone’s commending me for how much effort I put into my dog’s last days. They said he was a very lucky dog, but I’m the lucky one because I had him in my life.”
