A cancer diagnosis is something you never want to hear, especially when its advanced. On April 17th, 2018 Harley, a 10 yr old English Bulldog was diagnosed with lymphoma and was given just weeks to live. We were heartbroken and devastated of the news. That night as I lay there holding my boy and crying I knew what needed to be done…. therefore a  “Bucket List” was formed.

One of his very items was to see the vet who had saved his life just 3 years ago when he had suffered a Colonic Torsion that resulted in the removal of his entire large intestine. He was hospitalized for 10 days and began the long journey to recovery.

We decided to reached out to Dr. Grace Kemp, “Dr. Grace” as we call her. She was equally as devastated by the diagnosis as well. It was what happened just months before that would bring our families even closer together. On December 24, 2017 Buckeye, Grace’s 16 Yr old Golden Retriever was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer and given 6 months to live. The Kemp family was also devastated of their prognosis as well, but wanted to make sure their boy was comfortable the remainder of his days. It was in that instant we knew that this would no longer be Harley’s “Bucket List” but Buckeye’s as well. So we formed the “Bucket List” Page, Bucket List Adventures Of Harley Bruiser and Buckeye

https://m.facebook.com/groups/827930407284151

We try to do as many a activities together as possible but unfortunately schedules conflict and it can’t always be done. Here are just a few things we’ve done…

* Ride on a Harley Davidson, given by a complete stranger

* Have our story shared on the news, News 9

* Share our story on the air with Radio Lia

* Eat as many foods as we can that normally we weren’t allowed to have

* Meet a K9 Officer

* Make numerous newspapers and online forms

* Mud baths

* Stars being named for them

* Raise funds for donation to Pilotsnpaws.org

* Sponsor not 1 but two senior dogs at local shelters.

* Fly….. yes fly!!!! A complete stranger by the name of PNP Pilot Will Green granted our wish out of the kindness of his heart

Many many other activities have been completed post diagnosis but there are too many to list, so be sure to check them out on our fb page and become a member to follow our journey. A list that started at around 20 items quickly grew above and beyond what we could’ve ever imagined! We have completed around 100+ since then.

We take each day as a gift, a gift that we will cherish forever! We’re busy making memories and having fun and at this point nothing else matters!!! They’re our world!!!

Note: Harley was taken to Ohio State University Oncology recently in the last few days. It was then that I was made aware the cancer has taken over most of his body and that we have at the most 2 more weeks with him.

Harley’s Family:

Clint, Ashley, Cooper and Roxy

Of Caldwell, Ohio

Buckeye’s Family :

Joel and Grace Kemp

Of Cumberland, Ohio

Kind Regards,

Ashley McElfresh