When Georgia-based shelter Animal Ark Rescue posted a picture of Chester – a 14-year-old pooch dying of mast cell tumors – on their Facebook page two weeks ago, they had little hope that someone would foster the dog and give him a home for the final days of his life.

At the same time, Nicole Elliott saw the poor dog and knew she couldn’t turn a blind eye to his unfortunate situation. The following day, the kind-hearted woman went to the shelter and brought Chester home, determined to give him one last chance at happiness. She has created a doggy bucket list for her terminally-ill companion and is doing everything she can to make the remainder of his life as memorable and joyous as possible.

Here’s what 24-year-old Nicole said about Chester’s bucket list:

“I think he deserves it. He seems to have been neglected in his past life. He is such a sweet boy. I have been trying to get a feel for what he is capable of, and most of the things are general doggy things like going to the park and eating tons of treats.’’

Though she wants to take him to the beach and has other plans in store for the two of them, Nicole is not certain if Chester will be strong enough for their future adventures – veterinarians are not sure whether he has days or months to live. Whatever the case, Nicole will be there for him until the end and she will make sure that he has absolutely everything he needs.

She is only sorry that she didn’t meet him earlier, but she hopes that her story will inspire others to adopt animals who are terminally ill.

Thanks @pixbycharla these photos are beautiful!! If you want to see more from our “photo shoot” yesterday, check them out on Chester’s Facebook!

A photo posted by Nicole Elliott (@chestersfinaljourney) on Jul 8, 2015 at 7:54am PDT

Chester had to go to the vet today. He isn’t feeling his best. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Give all of your beautiful fur babies a hug and a kiss from us. Squeeze them tight too.. hehe! Don’t mind the kitten robbing my suit case in the background.

A photo posted by Nicole Elliott (@chestersfinaljourney) on Jul 6, 2015 at 3:02pm PDT

Couch cuddles for the rest of the night

A photo posted by Nicole Elliott (@chestersfinaljourney) on Jul 6, 2015 at 4:27pm PDT

Chester seems pretty sleepy today. I’m sure the meds are making him groggy. His tummy feels better though. He had a small “photo shoot” today. Thanks to Charla for coming to us so we didn’t have to leave the house. She got a few while he took a potty break outside. You are a sweet lady! Can’t wait to have those pictures forever! They will mean so much! We hope everyone is having a great night. It’s hard to respond to everyone, but know we feel ALL of the love. Thank you all so much! We are going to take it easy tonight. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. XoxoChester and Nikki

A photo posted by Nicole Elliott (@chestersfinaljourney) on Jul 7, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT