Spunky, the husky, loves two things: his mom, Ashley, and snow. When Ashley learned that Spunky is terminally ill, she quickly put together a plan so he could enjoy his last “blizzard.”
Ashley and Spunky’s story
Saying goodbye to a dog that has been a significant part of your life is never easy. And Ashley Neils knows this feeling too well. Quite recently, Ashley learned that her beloved dog, Spunky, has hemangiosarcoma, a severe type of cancer. Unfortunately, no medication or treatment could save Spunky, so the vets suggested putting him down sooner than later.
For Ashley, saying goodbye to Spunky is a bitter pill to swallow. After all, they’ve been together since 2004. Ashley was just a college back then when she adopted Spunky from a rescue center in Wisconsin. The two quickly developed a solid bond with each other.
Spunky always loved the snow in Wisconsin. Ashley would let him play to his heart’s content. He would spend all his energy and still not get tired of his white paradise.
When Ashley graduated from college, she brought Spunky with him to Texas. Spunky might miss the snow a lot, but having his mom is all that matters.
One day, Ashley noticed Spunky looking weak and lethargic. After getting checked by the vet, she learned that day that Spunky has a severe type of cancer, and sadly, nothing else could save him.
Heartbroken and devastated, Ashley had to make the hard decision of putting Spunky to sleep, so he need not suffer any much longer. But before saying goodbye, she had to keep her promise: let Spunky play in the snow.
Snow in the summer
Ashley reached out to a group of pet lovers in Austin about her final wish for Spunky. The group responded quickly and chipped in so Ashley could rent a snow machine.
In the middle of summer in Texas, Ashley was hugging Spunky in the snow. She knows she has to let Spunky go now, but she also needed him to feel how special and loved he is. Ashley may have said her goodbyes, but she takes comfort in the knowledge Spunky can happily play in the snow forever.
Thanks to CBS News
