MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — Two weeks ago WLOS introduced you to Theodore, a pit bull terrier rescued from a massive dog-fighting ring in 2013.
In the nine years since his life on a chain ended, he has been a dog trainer's assistant, helping other dogs learn better manners and how to play.
Now, Theodore is fighting a cancer diagnosis and his dog mom, animal behaviorist Trish McMillan, wants to spoil him with a little adventure while he can still enjoy it.
Theo has been very busy checking items off his bucket list in those last two weeks. Trish has been amazed at the outpouring of support, not just across Western North Carolina, but in different parts of the country.
The good people at Bohemian Baby at Grove Arcade heard Theo's story and invited them down to eat that bucket-list steak. It was cooked to a perfect medium rare, cut into bite-sized pieces and Theo savored every morsel.
Neighbors next door at ADORAtherapy saw what was going on and welcomed Theo into their shop. There, he got to smell all the smells and he even got a bonus aura reading! It showed he was spiritual, intuitive and a healer.
A few days later, Lacey Sorrentino from Fairview saw his story and it spoke to her heart. After she read through the list she said, "I have to make that dog a burger, or my husband, the grill master [will make the burger]. We don't have a motorcycle, which is a great thing I saw on his bucket list, but I was just kind of perusing through it and I thought – we can do that!"
Trish and Theo arrived, with little dog brother Roo in tow. While the burgers sizzled on the grill, they explored the "Sniffspot" property, which is completely fenced with lots of trees and a creek running through it. Theo definitely worked up an appetite!
His legs are bad from that first eight months of life on a heavy chain, so he has always had a very strict diet. But not this day! He got to eat the whole burger, buns, cheese and all! Afterwards, he lie content and full on the deck in the warm sunshine.
He remains busy with bucket list adventures.
The next big thing on his list is to make a new friend with a pontoon boat. Could that be you?
The following things remain on Theo's bucket list: