Canine Cruise Checks Off Pup’s Bucket List

10/23/2019

Written by Melanie Hofmann with lots of help from Doug’s mom, Mary

Last month, the Real Dog Moms of Chicago set off on another sold out Canine Cruise with Mercury Cruises around the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. After hosting 6 of these cruise events with proceeds benefiting different local rescues, we know to expect a fun afternoon full of great people, smiling pups and amazing skyline photo ops. September’s cruise was a bit different though as we had a very special guest with us this time around.

This is Doug. He’s an energetic and loving 7 year old Sato mix (a Puerto Rican mixed breed street dog). “Doug is absolutely the best,” says Mary, Doug’s mom. “He has the kindest spirit and a knack for making everyone feel like they are the most important human ever.”

Late last year, Doug started having issues and was diagnosed in April with terminal cancer after a nerve sheath tumor found in his back leg started to impact his ability to walk. He can no longer use either of his back legs and carries most of his body weight on his front legs. Doug was generously sponsored by Bialy’s Wellness Foundation and now has a cart that helps him get around. But he is still on several different medications to manage his symptoms and pain levels. These medications lower his ability to heal quickly which have caused abscesses and other issues.

When Doug’s mom, Mary, contacted us to make arrangements to get his wheels onto the Canine Cruise she let us know that the cruise was an item on Doug’s bucket list. We were thrilled to help him make this a reality and watch him live out this dream. “Being on a boat and not fully having use of his back legs was not going to stop him from getting to all the treats that had fallen on the floor or a treat he spotted a few rows up,” says Kerry of RDMOC. “He was also incredibly sweet.”

As we learned more about Doug and his incredible spirit, we knew we had to share this story with you. So we went right to the source for the details. Here’s an interview with Doug about some of his favorite things and other items on his bucket list.

Where are you from Doug?
My human Mom adopted me on May 3, 2012 from Cape Ann Animal Aid (near Boston, MA) when I was about 3 months old. My dog Mom was rescued in Puerto Rico when she had me and all my 6 siblings in her belly. My human mom learned about us from a colleague who volunteers with All Sato Rescue. They rescue pups in Puerto Rico and send them to New England to find their furever homes. Mom had the pick of the litter and that was me! She says not only was I the tallest and awkwardest of my siblings, but I was also the handsomest and most endearing. She especially loved the distinctive markings on my face that really accentuate my expressions. [Now] we live in Lakeview East, which is full of all my great human and dog friends! Most days, you can find us playing in Lincoln Park.

What are some of your favorite things to do?
I really enjoy being outside. I like the warm sun shining on my face and back and the wind blowing through my fur. At the park, I love visiting with all my human friends because they give me all the attention and pets. Some people bring extra treats just for me! I don’t like to play with the tennis balls mom brings to the park. Instead, I prefer to collect all the tennis balls that belong to the other pups. I love to play fetch especially when mom throws the tennis ball (not mine, the other ones) super high up in the sky and I try to catch it as it comes down.

Most recently, my favorite thing to do is to sit out in the middle of the sidewalk, providing everyone who passes by with my signature smile and tail wags. What could be better to brighten someone’s day? I get confused when people don’t stop to pet me. They seem apprehensive about touching me sometimes so my mom made me a bandana that says “Pet Me…Please” so everyone knows it is okay to do so. She says that I am the best boy and deserve all the love from everyone.

What did you think of the Canine Cruise?
I loved the cruise! My favorite part was when we were on the lake and the boat went faster and my mom held me tightly against the side of the boat and I could feel the wind on my face. I loved sniffing the air. I also loved all the extra biscuits that I received! I even volunteered to lick the deck of all the biscuit crumbs so that we left the boat nice and clean.

What else is on your bucket list?
Mom says that I have created a Doug-shaped space in her heart furever and she wants to fill it with all the many memories of us doing all my favorite things. We have special mom & Doug time on Saturday mornings but I allow my sister to join us for some of our adventures, like the cruise! I’m a doggo of simple tastes so my bucket list is not very extravagant. It is mainly divided into adventures and food.

My mom has promised that we will visit my three favorite places – the farmers’ market, beach, and park – as often as possible.

We are going to rent a convertible and spend the day driving around, getting food from drive-thrus and lounging in parks.

Mom gives me massages to help alleviate any pain I may have but she doesn’t think she is doing a good enough job so she would like me to get a professional massage. I think she’s the best though.

Mom thinks that I may like a professional grooming/spa treatment because I am a big baby about baths at home. We disagree on this one.

Then, there is the food list. Because I am allergic to gluten and chicken, mom has been pretty strict about my diet. But… I dream of streets paved with meats and cheeses.

I love: