Creature, An Award-Winning "Ugly" Dog Has Cancer -- and a Bucket List

Creature appeared on the ugly dog circuit but then was diagnosed with aggressive lymphoma.

Creature, a Mexican Hairless Dog, is a very ugly dog, according to people who vote on such things. According to her Facebook page, she is "Utah's Ugliest Mutt," and in 2012 she got second place in the World's Ugliest Dog contest. 

And, as everyone who's seen an ugly dog knows, part of being an ugly dog is being cute at the same time. It doesn't make sense, but there it is. Look:

Unfortunately, Creature's short spell in the limelight is drawing to a heartbreaking close. She has high-grade lymphoma, according to her owner, Taylor Stokes. In June, Stokes posted the news on Creature's Facebook page, after finding lumps on the dog's leg and stomach. 

"From what we understand, this is a very aggressive cancer with no good outcome. We are completely heartbroken," she wrote. "We realize that our time with Creature is now limited and we just want to make that time the best for her. Due to her age we are a little concerned with using aggressive drugs. We just want to give her the best quality of life possible for her remaining time. As of right now Creature is happy and comfortable and does not seem to be in any pain. We hope to keep her that way for as long as possible."

That was back in June. Shortly thereafter, Stokes changed course and pursued chemotherapy.

"No one knows how much time Creature has left, but we are doing everything we can to make sure that every day she is here, she will be happy, comfortable and well loved," she wrote. 

And since then, Stokes has been doing exactly that. Creature has a bucket list, and he's been cracking them off like a champ, with a little help from Stokes and well-meaning Creature lovers. 

One of them is Jamie Usry, development director for Humane Society of Utah, who's been helping Stokes complete some tasks. 

“She wanted to meet Betty White, that has not happened yet but you never know. We’re fulfilling her first class convertible ride today. She’ll be in a Mustang convertible," he told Fox13Now.com. "Her doggy-date night, doggy-themed movie night we’re fulfilling tonight, and she is going to get a pet massage session. She is going to get a pet psychic session, all sorts of things."

One thing Creature received was not on her list but very well could have been: a special plaque by the Humane Society of Utah, to express appreciation for the influence her life has had on others.

There's still plenty of stuff left on Creature's bucket list -- and if you can help, Stokes writes on the page, "we would like everyone’s help in sharing Creature’s page and spreading the word about these adventures we would like for her to have. If you are able to help her accomplish any of the things on her list, please contact us here on Creature's page or by e-mail at rsqdogs@yahoo.com."

Without further ado, here's Creature's bucket list, via her Facebook page:

Have a reading with an animal communicatorReceive an animal blessing -- DONE! (Crossed off 06-23-13, thank you Animal Chaplin Sandy Byland)Get her picture taken with Betty WhiteTake a ride in a convertible -- IN THE WORKS!Spend a day relaxing on a beach -- DONE! (Crossed off 06-20-13)Appear in an animal magazine -- IN THE WORKSAttend a doggie birthday partyHave a portrait painted of her -- DONE! (Crossed off! Thank you Bev Nicholson and Mugly! And also thank you to "Drawings for Pit Bulls and those who love 'em," and thank you to Fred Grower for the oil painting!!)Go to work with Dad -- DONE! (Crossed off 07-19-13)Get a doggy massage -- DONE!Have a dog-themed movie night with family -- DONE!Attend a Hairless Dog playgroupVia Fox13Now.com; photos via Creature's Facebook page

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