He went from being an unwanted stray and shelter dog to become a national flying disc champion and the subject of a New York Times bestseller.

Following Wallace's diagnosis with an aggressive cancer in 2012, his owners, Andrew "Roo" and Clara Yori, of Rochester, launched into helping him check off "bucket list" of items, ranging from skydiving, bungee jumping and even meeting actress Betty White.

On Friday, the Yoris made the difficult decision that their beloved dog's condition had progressed to the point it was necessary to have a veterinarian euthanize him at their home.

Part of the farewell messages they posted on Wallace's popular Facebook page on Friday included this, "Though my body will soon be gone, my hope is that you will continue to tell my story, so Wallace the Pit Bull lives on."

On Friday, however, the Rochester couple were ordinary pet owners sadly spending their final moments with their beloved dog.

"We knew this time was coming… and now it's here," said a somber Roo Yori on Friday.

Like any celebrity, his death also had a public aspect. More than 5,000 fans made comments of farewell and support on his Facebook page within hours of the original posting.

"It's pretty cool that he's touched so many people across the country. It's crazy," says Yori.

He hopes Wallace's story can continue to help save shelter dogs through the Yoris' WOD (Workout of the Day) for Dogs fundraiser aimed at CrossFit centers across the country.

The first event is scheduled for Sept. 7. It will raise money for Playing for Life, a national program that promotes the use of canine playgroups at animal shelters.The theory is that these playgroups relieve stress, provide socialization, and help get dogs adopted.

"In back of my mind, I had hoped he'd be around for that first one, but that's just not possible," said Yori. "But I think it pretty great that we can continue to help dogs in his name, even if he's not around."