A man diagnosed with terminal cancer is facing the most difficult chapter of his life. Yet, rather than focusing on himself, his greatest concern is the well-being of his cherished dog. As he prepares for the end, his only wish is to ensure that his beloved companion finds a loving home where she can continue to thrive long after he’s gone.
David Fine, a 63-year-old resident of Plainville, Massachusetts, shares a deep bond with his dog Babs, a sweet-natured Shar-Pei and Boxer mix he rescued from a shelter a decade ago. Since the day he brought her home, they’ve been virtually inseparable. Through the ups and downs of life, Babs has been a constant, loyal presence by David’s side. But now, as he nears the end of his journey, David is being forced to confront a heartbreaking reality — soon, he and Babs will have to say goodbye.
David’s medical challenges began years ago when he was diagnosed with leukemia. He battled through the illness and later developed vascular disease. However, it was the diagnosis of stage 4 lung cancer that marked a turning point. The prognosis was grim, and David made the incredibly difficult decision to decline further treatment. While the treatments might have extended his life by a short period, they would have severely impacted his quality of life. Instead, he chose to focus his remaining time on what matters most to him: love, peace, and making sure Babs will be okay without him.
Doctors gave David an estimated six months to live — and five months have already passed. With his time drawing short, his top priority is not himself, but Babs. He is determined to find her a safe, stable, and loving home before he enters hospice care. David has no children and no close family to step in, so the task of finding Babs a new home rests entirely on his shoulders. For him, this is not just about rehoming a pet. It’s about finding a new family for someone he loves like a child.
“I had told myself I was never going to get another pet,” David shared in an emotional interview with WJAR, “because it breaks my heart to lose them.” But with Babs, things were different. “Unfortunately, she’s going to outlive me this time.” His voice carries a weight that words alone cannot describe. To David, Babs is more than a dog — she’s family, his confidante, and his greatest source of comfort.
“She is the most important thing at this point,” he explained. “My fate is sealed, but hers is not.” David’s greatest fear isn’t dying — it’s leaving Babs behind without knowing what will happen to her. He wants to ensure that she transitions smoothly into her new life, without feeling abandoned or lost. His dream is to witness her adapting to her new home while he’s still alive, so he can have peace of mind knowing she’s safe and cared for.
As he gets closer to entering hospice, David plans to surrender Babs to her future family. The idea of parting with her is devastating. “It might kill me,” he says softly, “but at least I’ll rest in peace knowing she’s not alone.” His strength and selflessness are both humbling and inspiring. In his final days, he is thinking only of her — her comfort, her safety, her happiness.
David isn’t alone in this journey. Animal advocate and rescuer Jennie Mann has stepped in to help, using social media to spread the word about Babs and her unique situation. Jennie has been actively screening potential adopters and sharing updates about David’s story. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote, “David is a sweet, kind-hearted man. This is his dying wish — to find a loving home for his dog.”
“His dog is his life,” Jennie added. “He told me he can’t rest in peace until he knows his baby will be taken care of when he’s gone.” Jennie also emphasized David’s deep emotional connection to Babs: “He wants someone who will love her just like he does. He wants her to understand that he didn’t abandon her — that he passed away. He wants her to feel safe and not like she’s suddenly living with a stranger.”
Babs, according to Jennie, is a loving, affectionate dog with a gentle nature. She has no behavioral issues, but she doesn’t get along well with other dogs. Because of this, she needs to be the only pet in her future home. The ideal adopter will be someone who can give her the time, attention, and affection she has always known. Babs is a people-loving dog who thrives on companionship, and David is hoping for someone who will open their heart and home to her.
Jennie continues to meet with potential adopters, but the process has proven more difficult than expected. Many of the interested candidates already have pets or live too far from Plainville to be a practical option. But the search is still ongoing, and hope remains strong that the right match will come forward before time runs out.
This story is deeply emotional and serves as a powerful reminder of the profound bond between humans and their pets. Even in the face of death, David’s thoughts are not of himself but of his loyal companion. His unselfish devotion to Babs is something truly special — a love so deep that it transcends his own mortality.
As the world learns of David and Babs’ story, the hope is that someone out there will be moved to give Babs the second chance she deserves — a loving home where she can live out the rest of her days with the same warmth and care she’s always known.
Please take a moment to share this story with others. You never know who might be the one to step forward and change Babs’ life forever. David may be nearing the end of his path, but with the help of kind-hearted people, his final wish — to know that Babs will be okay — can still come true.
