A wheelchair-bound pooch that was used as a breeding machine for 10 years is completing an epic bucket list before she dies.
Victoria, an 11-year-old German Shepherd, has enjoyed walks on the beach, played police K-9 for a day, DJed at her local radio station and even met a governor.
The elderly canine was born into a puppy mill and used as a breeding machine for a decade, giving birth to around 18 litters – 100 to 200 dogs – in that time.
When she was young she was attacked by another dog, but the wound was never treated, which led to her losing vision in her left eye.
Last year, the neglected pooch also began suffering from a disease known as Degenerative Myelopathy, which led her body into decline.
Exhausted and no longer useful for breeding, Victoria was rescued by Finding Shelter Animal Rescue in October 2017.
Charity co-founder Grace Kelly Herbert said she now relies on a harness attached to a set of wheels after the disease, which will eventually kill her, paralyzed her hind legs.
But despite the elderly canine’s declining health, Grace and her husband Steve Herbert, both 44, are determined to make the most of Victoria’s dying days.
The couple, of Norristown in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA, decided to create a bucket list of fun things for them to do together to create happy memories.
So far, they have arranged for Victoria to be a police K-9 for a day, had her lead a parade with the local fire department and taken her for runs on the beach.
Grace said: “Terminally-ill dogs like Victoria are worth saving. They still have life left in them.
“She is a wonderful dog. She is so loyal and friendly, and she has a lot of love to give.
“If we’re lucky, she’ll last until the end of the year. Everyday is a gift with her.
“I said to my husband, ‘Imagine all of the things she could have done in the past ten years if she had have been a dog that was free.’
“She’s stronger and happier than ever before. Its about turning something negative into a positive.”
Since starting the bucket list, Victoria has helped DJ at a local radio station for a day.
“The DJ played a game where he put cookies over the names of each song,” Grace said.
“Whichever cookie Victoria ate first, that was the song that was chosen to play.”
Because her condition is in rapid decline, she isn’t able to complete strenuous tasks.
But she is taking part in a study with Cornell University into the effects of Degenerative Myelopathy in dogs to help treat it better in future.
Grace added: “Victoria is one of the key dogs in the study.
“Because of the bucket list, her very broken body is giving back.”
To donate to Finding Shelter Animal Rescue or follow Victoria’s journey, visit: https://www.facebook.com/findingshelteranimalrescue/
