On January 31, surrounded by friends and family and cradled by adoptive mother Victoria Corbett, Australian Cattle Dog Leya passed away at Norton Road Veterinary Hospital after an arduous battle with juvenile dilated cardiomyopathy.
Once Leya was diagnosed with only six months to live, her adoptive mother and the animal rescue from which she was adopted, Speak for the Unspoken, put together a bucket list for her to make the best of her remaining days.
They even documented her entire journey on her Facebook page, encouraging every human and dog alike to live like Leya.
Although the blind puppy was not able to cross everything off, she enjoyed getting through as many as possible surrounded by family and friends, both human and canine.
That’s especially thanks to #39—be a part of a family—and #11—make a best friend. Leya got so very lucky, and everyone enjoyed making her tail wag.
Since October, Leya has painted a masterpiece with her paws, gone swimming, opened Christmas presents, and even got married!
It’s a work of art, no?
Though she didn’t get nearly as many days as she deserved, each one was full of love and affection, which was exactly her mom’s intention.
[bp_related_article]
Beth Logan, Leya’s veterinarian, told The Columbus Dispatch:
Not that everyone has to have a bucket list, per se. But just to make every day a great day for your animals. Because I think we get so much in the habit of taking them for granted. That’s Victoria’s whole idea: Live like Leya.
That idea has been catching fire on the internet since the Live Like Leya Facebook page debuted. The page has thousands of fans, all of whom followed Leya’s journey of joy – and that’s the most amazing thing about it, the joy. The pup’s story is sad, but there is something joyous about living life to the fullest and making every moment count, especially in the face of grief.
Even though Leya is gone, her message will continue to inspire the world.
Featured image via Live Like Leya/Facebook
