King’s rules.
End of the road. It has been decided. (GanMed64/Flickr/Commons.wikimedia.org)
Sometimes all that’s left is to countdown the days.
He didn’t ask for this. Star-crossed. Had hoped for more, but all that seemed left was a slow walk down a cold concrete hall. Alone.
But not yet.
Someone had a different idea.
Well aware the 4 year old blue pit bull had heartworms and was in end stage heart failure with liver and kidneys shutting down, Casey Keller was determined that he would know comfort, love, and the joys of sleeping on a couch after a barren life on a chain in a backyard and, then, being abandoned in his final days.
She pulled him off death row of the county shelter and named him King. As long as he is able and comfortable, he’ll live like a king.
Once I had none. Now I have all. King’s Bucket List Item #28: All soft things. (Houston Street Dogs Facebook)
Despite his condition, King is a happy dog living in the moment. Casey created a Bucket List for whatever days he has left.
Trips to pet store to pick out any toy he wanted, eating food that he once could only smell and dream of, car rides, trips to the beach and lifts when he’s too tired to walk.
Today King and Casey did Bucket List Item # 41: Educate the next generation of dog owners.
Students at Briarmeadow Charter School welcomed the dog who’s discovered new energy and a mission.
Having the time of his life, King’s not worried. He’s got friends and things to do.
- Keep up with his reign and Bucket List on HoustonStreetDogs’ Facebook page.
- “Rescue group helps dying dog live out his bucket list” (Ch2KPRC. Video and story)
- “Terminally ill dog gets to live out his bucket list” (Ch26KRIV. Video and story.)
- (King’s Bucket List Item # 38: Be on TV.)
This isn’t just a sad doggie story getting a lot of media attention.
King’s choice: live for today. (Houston Street Dogs Facebook)
King has become an important Spokesdog.
While humans are all a-buzz about the Zika Virus, dogs, cats, and ferrets are mumbling “So? What are we? Chopped liver?”
Mosquitoes: not just annoying humans.
Heartworms are spread by mosquito bites, too (FDA.gov vet resource article)
If caught early, pets can be treated but the process is expensive and harsh. Animals must be kept quiet, with no exercise at all for at least a month after treatment. (Pictures of some actual worms. Article by vet).
King may be one oblivious little dog who can’t believe his good luck, but his story is having a big impact in ways he can’t imagine.
King’s rules: appreciate today and stop those little biters. Royal request.
Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.
King’s Bucket List Item #31.Get new toys. De-stuff them ASAP.(Houston Street Dogs Facebook)
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Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge 
Long live the king… and I hope for as much time as possible for King…
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Today King is ripping into things….like dog beds. A bit confused over “toy” and “not toy”. But he’s enjoying the game. Not veggies, though. And that’s OK. He’s the king. Thanks for cheering a paw
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He’s a beautiful dog. May he complete his bucket list.
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Graciously accepting life as it is – and he’s finally won the lottery. Quite a celeb now. By becoming a spokesdog, he may save other pets’ lives. Great rescue organization. Thanks for cheering the King.
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May he rule for quite a while yet. Lovely story.
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King is beating the odds so far. The vet gave him 3-4 days originally. Love can do a lot. He’s in the arms of friends now. Thanks for wandering this way
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So wonderful that you shared this story of both humanity and education. King couldn’t have a more appropriate name. God bless Casey and King.
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So many people are new to the area they don’t realize the mosquitoes are a danger to their pets, too. One pill once a month – that’s all it takes. King and Casey are trying to save many from heartbreak. Really the Dynamic Duo. Thanks for cheering them on
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Nice to hear about King and the wonderful people who are giving him some joy. Sounds like he needed it. Poor little guy.
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It sounds like the rescue group was pretty angry about King’s condition that could easily have been prevented by one pill once a month, but King himself is so accepting of his fate – and happy in spite of it, his guardians soon realized as a Spokesdog for heartworm preventative meds, he could save many others.Apparently, some are upset they are letting him eat shrimp and pretty much whatever he wants (Burger King breakfast plate – with a birthday crown on), but he threw up all the veggies and “special healthy” foods. Vet says King’s doing well on meat- let him eat meat. He was given 3-4 days, but seems to have gained a lot of energy as well as friends. He’s had some super model portraits today. We should all have such kind final days. Thanks for tossing a pupworthy comment this way
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Yes, for sure, let the pup eat the meat.
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Quality of life is to be considered. (And Molly has found that while she loves to snack on those dried gluten free, nonGMO green pea crisps, one a day is all her tummy can handle. Veggies, not always best for everyone…and we’re outside again…) Thanks for dishing up a comment. Have a great weekend. Road should be empty on Sunday afternoon and perfect for walking…only not too late!)
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Beautiful story. Kind of made me cry — but I’m so happy for King. His owner is a kind, strong, and beautiful soul. 🙂
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One person can make a difference. Not only is King comfortable and enjoying his life, perhaps his message about the dangers pets face from mosquitoes and the easy prevention can save others from heartbreak. They are a Dynamic Duo Super Stars. Thanks for smiling along
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I was glad to do so! 🙂
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Sweetness. It’s good to be King.
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No weeping needed. Only smiling faces and lots of tail wags. Thanks for joining the pack
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What a heartwarming story, as well as a good reminder to make sure our pets are protected.
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The shelters and rescue groups do a good job of educating new pet owners, but for animals bought along roadways or from ads in paper, information must get lost. Then there’s the newcomers to the area who don’t realize this climate mandates heartworm pills monthly all year long. King is a willing spokesdog and hopes other animals will be spared his struggles. Thanks for leashing a comment to the pet bowl here
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I am so happy for King and that he found someone who cares enough to let him live in all of the moments he has left. It’s one of those stories that made me smile and tear up at the same time. Good for the heart (but not as good as getting those doggies their heartworm prevention pills).
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It is one of those stories. He’s out giving away doggy kisses today (Item #46- Be grateful.) King has found his realm where his subjects will care and comfort him – and let him be a happy dog. The immediate reaction of his rescuers was anger that all his ailments could have been prevented, but realized something positive could come from King’s plight. With warm weather ahead and people worried about mosquitoes, hopefully his story will save other dogs. Quite a legacy. Thanks for the paw wave
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Lovely. I read this to my husband and we’re both all teary-eyed. Sometimes people can show such kindness. King is one lucky dog living for the day 🙂
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King’s Bucket List Item #46: Be grateful. Today King seems to be determined to give doggy kisses to everyone he sees. One little dog making his way in the world and doing what he can to make it better. Hopefully many pet owners will remember to give those heartworm prevention pills to their pets in his honor for many years to come. Thanks for dogtrotting by to chat
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We’re all for heartworm prevention. We have to make mini-grilled cheese sandwiches to get Honey and Lulu to eat them 🙂
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Now that’s service! I’ll remember that idea. So far Molly is thrilled when she gets one. But you never know when they will change their minds! Thanks
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One of the issues with pet ownership is ongoing care. Medication/treatment costs aren’t factored in when pets are acquired… now follow-on service deals like when someone buys a new car or mothercare visits like with babies… pity about that, it would make a huge differenc I think.
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One complaint here is the high adoption fees of rescue groups and shelters. But the logic is, if you can’t afford this, you can’t afford the animal. Often an adoption package send home a supply heartworm pills.Unfortunately, people can always go to areas that allow roadside selling of pets or neighbors. One solution has been county/local clinic during the year which offer extremely low cost ($5.oo) vaccinations, microchipping, check ups and neutering/spaying. There’s even one for horses now. You have to look, but there are some options. The tough part is getting some owners to notice their pet’s needs. Far too easy to spend the money on beer or movies than preventative meds for animals. You have to be concerned about older people and their pets. Meals on Wheels now collects and distributes dog and cat food to their clients. An important step.Thanks for leashing an important issue here!
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Sharing this with one of my daughters. She fosters dogs and just placed her most recent foster today.
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Thanks for passing this on. Our TX Gulf Coast climate is perfect for mosquitoes and pets are at risk as much as people. Newcomers may not realize. Hopefully King and his guardians can get the important message about heart worm prevention once a month being absolutely necessary to avoid heartbreak.
We work with fosters – and currently have “second hand”/”used” pets as one little girl happily calls them. Paws up for foster parents! Thanks for barking along
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In doing rescue work, it aggravates me the number of animals I’ve seen “dumped” by owners once the meds or character problems become too much. I know it happens with humans as well. In this age of “disposable” living, it’s easy to discard an animal and justify that “they’ll be in good hands” at a rescue or shelter. Each of the three Japanese Chin I have, are the result of someone discarding them. It frustrates the hell out of me to think people are that irresponsible. May King’s life and message travel far and wide.
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Owners who wait too late to seek pet care – that’s what breaks the hearts of so many vets. King was in such bad shape there was nothing that could be done, so they dropped him off “to be taken care of”. Done. Washed their hands and probably off to get a new pup. Just not thinking.
King needlessly got to this point because he didn’t get one pill once a month. Hopefully his message and his guardians can raise awareness. People are so worried about mosquitoes, maybe they will listen and protect their pets, too. Thanks for being one of those who sees and steps in to give comfort, care, and a chance when others walk away. Paws up for rescues!
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Aw…what a special story! King can eat whatever he wants! It is encouraging to hear a story like this.
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King’s story is special. He has a real “make lemonade” view of life, and a joy of living in the moment. Today he’s out giving away free doggie kisses showing how to be grateful (Item #46). Glad you stopped by to join the pack
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