Lick-it list
A 14-year-old Jack Russell Terrier – therapy dog to an 11-year-old boy with a breathing disorder, whose life she has saved countless times – now has her own bucket list, following her having been diagnosed with canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome, which is a condition similar to Alzheimer’s in humans.
Bingo was originally trained as a hearing dog by National Service Dogs, but received special follow-on training to allow her to respond to Cole Hein’s unusual condition, which frequently leaves him unable to breathe: Bingo barks whenever she detects the onset of the problem – thus ensuring that her young master receives immediate life-saving attention. Two years ago she was named Service Dog of the Year by the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, in recognition of her sterling work. But now she has been diagnosed with a terminal condition of her own that means she may have only a few weeks left to live.
So Cole is doing his best to make her final days as pleasant as possible – alongside the veterinary treatment that she is receiving. He has created a canine equivalent of a bucket list, which has been dubbed a ‘lick-it list’: this includes receiving dog treats from around the world. Treats should be sent to:
Cole Hein/Bingo Hein
PO Box 413
Shilo, MB
Canada
R0K 2A0
The Hein family has said that it doesn’t want financial donations, but that if people are unable to send dog treats and still want to do something in Bingo’s honour they should make a donation to their local animal shelter instead.
The complete lick-it list is as follows:
1. Dog treats from around the world.
2. An outing together, to Ruckers.
3. Walking twice around the block together.
4. A photo shoot together.
More information is available on the Facebook group that Cole and his family have set up about Bingo.
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