Rescuer put together a bucket list! (Video)

Every dog reserves to have a loving and caring family, and a place they can call home. Unfortunately, not all pet owners fully understand the responsibility of having the animal in the house, and often don’t treat them in the right way. Miss Willie was tethered outside in a small patch of dirt for twelve years in Halifax County, North Carolina. The poor dog was left tied to a metal chain attached to a small doghouse and would wag excitedly when anyone approached, hoping for any tiny gesture of affection. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) tried to get her owner to give the dog to someone else, but they refused. So, PETA staff decided to visit her regularly, in order to feed and play with her. PETA’s fieldworkers visited Miss Willie visits for years, offering her the attention she was desperate for and making sure she had clean water and access to food.

Then one day, staffer Jes Cochran came for a visit and found Miss Willie in horrible condition. She couldn’t stand up and was coughing and struggling to breathe. After discussing the dog’s condition with her owner, they finally conceded to let PETA take Miss Willie to get veterinary care. Nobody expected her to survive the night, but she pulled through. The veterinarians diagnosed Miss Willie with advanced heartworm disease and fluid buildup on her lungs, worsened by her age. They gave a prognosis that she would only live a few more weeks at most. Determined to finally bring some light, love and life to Miss Willie’s world for once, her rescuer put together a bucket list for the dying dog.

She finally knew what it meant to be loved!

Over the next two weeks, Miss Willie enjoyed a birthday party, a pizza night, a canoe ride, a massage and a day at the beach. She was also able to sleep inside on a soft bed for the first time. She even got a trip to visit the local firehouse and received lots of attention from the firefighters on the truck. Thanks to her rescuers, Miss Willie finally knew what it meant to be loved. Just two weeks after she was set free, she passed away peacefully. PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch said issued a statement about the special dog: “PETA is grateful to have been able to give Miss Willie a joyful final chapter after the lifetime of neglect that she endured” Watch the video, but be warned – you might need a tissue or three for this!