Having a steak dinner at a restaurant, riding in a fire engine, and eating a pie at a football match are all dreams on an ill dog’s bucket list.

Willow, 12, whose tail was fused to her spine at birth, has recently been diagnosed as having a tumour on her spine.

Fearing the worst after the vets’ dim prognosis, her owner Ana Newman, has created a long list of activities for “cheeky girl” Willow to complete in her twilight years.

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Ms Newman from Ashtead was given Willow about ten years ago when her brother, Willow's former owner, joined the police force

She said: “Willow is a cheeky girl and loves to bury her bones. She loves swimming and getting dirty.

“I have a horse and when I’m at the stables she follows me around, and when I muck out at the stables she rolls in the shavings and the horses’ hay. She is the only dog I know who does this.

“She loves her walks on Headley Heath, especially when the cows are there. I think she thinks they are just big dogs as she sits so calmly next to them and watches them grazing.

“She really is a special girl.”

She has drawn up the following bucket list for Willow:

  • Have a steak dinner at a restaurant
  • Eat a giant Bonio
  • Go swimming at a dog beach
  • Donate to a rescue group
  • Go to a bar and have a beer
  • Host a party with all of my friends
  • Play ball or catch
  • Go on a shopping spree at the pet store
  • Eat pie at a football match
  • Be the captain of a boat
  • Have a picnic on the heath or at the park
  • Take a road trip with the windows down and radio up
  • Have ice cream on a summer night
  • Bite the fur off of lots of tennis balls
  • Go to a castle and be queen for a day
  • Visit the ponies in the New Forest
  • Ride in a fire engine or police car
  • Watch a sunset
  • Meet a celebrity
  • Volunteer
  • Dance in the rain
  • Win a competition

Ms Newman, a senior pensions analyst, also wanted to visit Stonehenge with Willow, but English Heritage only allow assistance dogs to visit the prehistoric monument near Salisbury.

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She also recently adopted a rescue puppy from New Life Greek Rescue, Poppy, and the two dogs have created a “special bond”.

“When Willow had to see the specialist vet recently Poppy waited outside, but Willow wanted to go out to see her,” Ms Newman said.

“Poppy gives her treats to Willow and when they play with toys, Willow rips them to pieces whereas Poppy sits there gently playing with them.

“They’ve created a special bond really quickly.”

Can you help Ana Newman tick items off Willow's bucket list? Get in touch at craig.richard@london.newsquest.co.uk