Mura has been the constant companion of Paul Heroux ever since she was a tiny pup. She was even by Heroux’s side as he campaigned for – and won – the role of mayor in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Together, they visit schools and nursing homes, walk in local parades, and shake paws at city hall.
Sadly, the 11-year-old Japanese wolf dog was diagnosed with a terminal form of blood cancer in September.
“She’s my best friend and she’s been with me at the best and worst parts of my life,” Heroux told CBS News.
The loving dog dad vowed to help Mura fight, but he was also determined to fill her remaining days with happiness. So in between chemotherapy treatments, he planned an 8,500 mile cross-country road-trip.
One month after Mura’s tragic diagnosis, the pair set off on a two week journey. Their destination: Canada’s Vancouver Island where Mura was born and bred.
Heroux planned their route to include stops in Seattle, San Francisco, Hollywood, the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. Mura even caught her first glimpses of American bison and elk.
The loving dog dad shared each leg of the journey on Facebook, accruing hundreds of likes and dozens of heartfelt comments on each post.
On November 2, they reached their primary destination in Victoria, British Columbia where Mura reconnected with her breeder and met some of her long-lost relatives.
Just one week after arriving on Vancouver Island, Heroux and Mura were home in Massachusetts, where it was back to business as usual.
The pair have since received gifts and messages of love from all over the world, including England, Austria, the Netherlands and Australia. Heroux expressed his surprise and gratitude in a final Facebook post at the end of their journey.
“I had no idea that my ride with her to go visit her breeder in Canada would turn into the story it did. I wanted to go see her breeder and meet her in person. So I thought I would make a couple stops to national attractions on the way, and on my way home visit where I went to college and see the Grand Canyon. I had no idea that my trip with Mura would turn into what it turned into. So thank you everyone for being so kind to her.”
No one knows how much time Mura may have left, but her dad has definitely gone above and beyond to make sure each remaining day is special!
H/T to CBS News & Salmon Arm Observer
Featured Image via Facebook/Paul Heroux
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via Whisker Therapy