Jenny Leech calls it the “Best $5.99 I have ever spent.”
That little bit of money was spent on her new foster dog, Theo.
Theo’s story is common but heartbreaking.
It’s tough to care for senior dogs and not everyone is up to the task (though people should consider that when they get a dog to begin with). And while vet bills or other issues may prevent a family from giving an older dog its best life, there’s simply no excuse for what Theo’s family did.
They abandoned their 12-year-old dog in a Walmart parking lot.
Shameful.
Theo was taken in by Animal Control but it was clear no one was coming to claim him. That’s when BAARK Dog Rescue in Barrington, Illinois decided to take him in.
The sweet, old Golden Retriever was found to have a significant testicular mass as well as a mass on his tail and several others on his paws.
But Jenny Leech agreed immediately agreed to take him in.
“I foster for a couple of rescues and just love the seniors and dogs with special needs,” Leech told The Dodo. “We have 11, including three that are hospice fosters. Theo fits right in. It’s crazy but fun. My pack is always so welcoming to fosters.”
Theo is what’s called a hospice foster, so it’s less about turning him into a pet and more about making sure his days are comfortable and as enjoyable as possible.
But just because Theo is an old dog doesn’t mean he doesn’t like to try new things.
When Leech stopped to get him groomed on their way home, something caught Theo’s eye – a teal octopus toy. He had to have it.
“While we were waiting for the tag engraving he was sniffing the toy bin and picked out the octopus,” Leech said. “It must have been love at first sight.”
Six dollars later, Theo was the happiest dog around.
Leech even had to pull over the car just to watch him revel in the company of his new plaything.
That octopus is the most important thing in Theo’s life.
While he fits in well with his new brothers and sisters, it’s the octopus that’s always by his side.
He even has to sleep with it (well, more like ON it).
Theo even chews on it WHILE he sleeps!
(How much do you want to bet he’s dreaming of doing the same thing?)
We’re a bit jealous, frankly – is there any object on Earth that could bring a human so much joy?
And we all know what happens when a sweet being – dog or child – finds the One True Toy. It becomes impossible to find a replacement.
But when Leech posted some photos of Theo on her Facebook page and asked if people around the country following his story could keep an eye out for an exact replica, she got quite a surprise.
The Live Like Roo Foundation sent him 10 extras!
And, yes, he demands to have them all at the same time when he’s at home.
Just look at this sweet boy upon opening the box!
Could there be a happier pup?
Now, he’s often seen with multiple toys at the same time.
You can never have too many.
Theo is still enjoying his life in his new home and going on adventures with Leech and her furry family.
And, of course, one of his octopuses is always along for the ride!
(Now we see why he may need a few extras!)
Theo is most likely struggling with two types of cancer and his time is limited. Since he’s 12 years old, he’s not a good candidate for surgery.
All anyone can do at this point is be happy he wakes up every day to chew his octopus.
If you’d like to give to Theo’s care and help animals like him, you can donate to BAARK Dog Rescue by clicking here.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
