This young couple scoured their area for fake snow so their beloved dying dog could complete the last item on the bucket list they compiled for it – to roll around in the snow one last time.
Elijah Saltzgaber and Marianna Wilson, from Salt Lake County in the US state of Utah, learned that their 11-year-old dog Maggie had cancer in July.
Aware that her time with them was short, the couple compiled a bucket list for the dog to enjoy one last time.
After the dog’s diagnosis, the couple took her camping and paddleboarding, among other activities.
However, the one thing Maggie loved doing above all others was rolling in the snow, but she was not going to make it until the winter.
Marianna said “she would just frolic and sled on her back like a little toboggan” before her cancer diagnosis.
Wondering how they could create a snow mound in September, Elijah and Marianna explained their plan on social media and asked for help.
Elijah wrote: “Does anyone have a shaved ice machine they have put away for the season? Our sweet dog is passing of cancer and Monday we want to build her one last snow bank to roll in.”
He added: “Saying goodbye to her Monday around noon so willing to pay and pickup Monday morning.”
Someone suggested approaching skating rinks and the couple called the Salt Lake County Ice Center to help tick off the last item on the bucket list of Maggie, who served as their ring bearer when they got married.
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The ice rink director Tiffany King said: “I think we can help out.”
Staff members gathered ice shavings produced by the rink’s resurfacer and delivered it to Elijah and Marianna’s garden for Maggie to play in.
Marianna said: “To see people from all walks of life come together for our dog, it’s amazing.
“She touched us, and now she gets to touch so many other people. That’s the best way for her memory to live on.”
King said: “The small acts of service can make such a big difference.”
Images show Maggie sitting on top of the mound of artificial snow while playing with a tennis ball.
Hours later, Elijah and Marianna “said goodbye to her” around noon.
Facebook user ‘Malia Bowman’ commented: “Sending you the biggest bear hug. Love you guys.”
Salt Lake County Ice Center provided snow for Maggie, a dog that is dying of cancer to play in one last time, in Utah, USA, in September, 2021. 
An ad Elijah Saltzgaber made for Maggie, a dog that is dying of cancer, request a snow machine, so she can play in snow one last time, in Utah, USA, in September, 2021.
Netizen ‘Dee Roberts Woo’ said: “So sorry for your loss.”
‘Peggy Kimberling’ wrote: “Your story was on KXLY, Channel 4’s News app. I can’t imagine your pain as I know she has shared your life for a long time.”
‘Jon Madden’ commented: “Brings back sad memories. Totally feel it all. Glad she went comfortably, sad she had to go.”
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below.
Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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