She Took Her Dying Dog On A Bucket List Adventure That Will Break Your Heart
Gizelle and her owner had been through everything. College, boyfriends, her early 20’s, and a move from small town Tennessee to big and bright New York City. Her 160-pound English Mastiff was her best friend and confident. So what is the vet talking about when he says she only has a few months left to live due to terminal bone cancer?
Gizelle could sense her depression. It wasn’t too hard since her sobbing was near uncontrollable. But she had to be strong and figure out a more positive approach to this whole thing. She decided that they would create a bucket-list adventure. It became her mission to have as much adventure as possible before Gizelle died. They would indulge and explore the joys of life: waterfalls, lobster meals, grass napping, and ocean immersion!
This project not only helped her cope with the loss, but it really was one heck of a wild ride which stood for living in the present and appreciating what is in front of you. They packed their bags and set off on a simple, yet very precious adventure. Here are some of their favorite moments to share:
Ride in a canoe
Together they used to watch The Little Mermaind. Their favorite scene was where Ariel is chauffeured by Prince Eric in a row boat. So it became her mission to put Gizelle in a canoe. While they were not as graceful as Ariel and the Prince, and nearly capsized themselves at one point, but eventually a light breeze picked up and they floated calmly across the water, the wind nearly tickling her jowls. The both of them embraced the quiet and nature that they simply didn’t have in New York.
See Times Square
While the two of them were a bit repulsed by Times Square, they still wanted to drink in the famous landmark, but at a time where all the tourists would not be present. So they tromped around at 6:45 a.m, the streets clean and the sun rising. It became a magical scene as they stood at the Crossroads of the World and realized how much it really did sparkle.
Cook lobster in Maine
They then went all the way to Maine. Well’s Beach had the perfect lobsters for the both of them. A licensed clammer suggested where to get them. At the grocery store she dunk her arm in the tank to find the one’s with the biggest claws! Back at her friends she let the lobsters loose and Gizelle sniffed at them, almost like they were her dog pals. Now she felt bad for having to cook them! But they went ahead, put them in the pot and not long after hot buttered lobster chunks were consumed and Gizelle enjoyed!
Eat ice cream on a dock
The simple things are often the best things within the chaos of Manhattan. They decided to find a quiet dock where some good old fashion ice cream could be enjoyed. Straight up vanilla! They enjoyed their ice cream while watching the boats float on by…
Go on a road trip
Since Gizelle loved the car, they rented one with best friend Rebecca and proceeded on to a four-day girls-only road trip through New England. No particular plans or destination, we would all just take turns sticking our heads out the window. No work, no deadlines, and no boys. Their main concern was trying to figure out whether Gizelle preferred Taylor Swift or the Beach Boys!
Cuddle as much as possible
Dog hair on the bed, and slobber on the face no longer mattered after discovering that Gizelle was dying. Cuddle time became the most important time. Gizelle taught her fantastic owner how love is the most wonderful gift one can receive, and the best thing to give.
Spend a whole day at Washington Square Park
They sat in Washington Square Park in downtown N.Y.C. and did some people watching. A man serenaded them with an out of tune guitar that had broken strings. They talked to guy with a face fish tattoo! And they helped a lady feed the pigeons and bird call to the hawks. She states that Gizelle always introduced her to more people than she would have met herself, due to her reserved personality.
Go to a party and meet a cute boy dog
Gizelle as a “wing girl?” Yep! The East Village was the spot for picking up guys and Gizelle had always been at her side. So when her friend had a party with 19 single and adorable dogs, they knew they had to get on the invite list! Gizelle met a cute blond dog named Auggie and flirted appropriately!
Find the best doughnut in the world
Gizelle’s appetite began to disappear as she got sicker. So did her owners. Congdon’s Donuts up the coast of Maine was the answer. These were so fresh and unique that they both couldn’t resist eating the whole entire box!
Meet Santa
Gizelle’s last Christmas would be 2014, so she definitely needed to meet Santa. But a tall man with a big white beard? Gizelle could be afraid. But when they saw these pug elves, they were thrilled. Gizelle’s Christmas list of rib eyes, hot dogs, and more vanilla ice cream was passed along.
Sit on the beach in the winter
While she was told Gizelle wouldn’t make it until Christmas, it became January and they found themselves by the Maine ocean. It snowed the day before she died. She began to wonder if this was Gizelle’s plan all along. Take her on an adventure, knowing they would end up on a deserted beach alone. She realized she was alright with letting go of Gizelle. Her best friend would live on through her many more experiences. She gave Gizelle the best life she could, and that to her was infinitely healing.
PLEASE SHARE IF YOU FOUND WHAT SHE DID INSPIRING OR IF YOU LOVE DOGS!
(H/T) Life With Dogs. Written by Lauren Fern Watt.