Our dogs give us an undeniable amount of love. Thinking of the world without them is absolutely heartbreaking. Especially with my senior, I find it’s so important to be crossing things off your doggy bucket list. Here are more than 20 ideas to inspire you:
- Unleash the Foodie:
Whip up a doggy birthday cake (dog safe ingredients only! I may post some recipes in the future), or visit a pet-friendly bakery for gourmet treats. Experiment with homemade dog popsicles made from bone broth and safe fruit or vegetables. Find a list of safe foods from a trusted source online (we will have our own soon). - Snuggle Up for a Movie Marathon:
Cuddle on the couch with some favorite movies. Consider calmer movies with relaxing sounds. Have lots of snacks for you both. - Pamper with a Spa Day:
If your dog does well with baths, consider a gentle wash with a quality shampoo and conditioner, followed by a soothing massage (gentle with those achy spots!). You can even use a dog-safe paw balm for extra TLC (here’s our favorite! #afflink) - Revisit Favorite Haunts:
Take a stroll through the park where you first saw your new puppy, or head back to the beach where you watched them bounce in the waves. Relive happy memories together, document as you do. - Capture Pawsome Photos:
Have a professional shoot done, consider “a day in the life” or “our favorite things” themes! Take loads of selfies together too, record the mundane moments, just make as many recorded memories as possible. You can decide what is or isn’t important to you after you’ve grieved and healed some. - Throw a “Going Away” Party:
Invite friends and family to come celebrate the life of your dog. Have yummy snacks for humans and dogs, tell fun stories about your pet, just do anything that feels celebratory or healing. - Go on a “Scent Safari”:
Find a fun place to explore with lots to sniff. Let your pup lead the charge and follow their nose! No heeling necessary for most/all of this. - Have a Picnic in the Park:
Head to your favorite park with a basket of snacks and water for you and your pup. Find a nice shady spot to sit and watch the world go by for a few hours. - Host a Playdate with Pups:
Have your pups best friends over. Make sure they don’t get overly tired. Take breaks as needed. Take lots of photos and videos, you’ll be glad you did. Consider setting up a camera in the corner to capture moments you may miss. - Time for Crafts:
Let your pup paint (canvas and paint in a zippy bag, dog safe peanut butter on the outside, let dog use their tongue to push paint around), create or commission art of them, or whatever else that’s healing and leaves a representation of your love. - Create a Memory Wall:
Find a space to use for memories – a wall, a scrapbook, a shadow box, whatever. Use photos, mementos, writings of them, etc - Leave Paw Prints in the Sand:
One last beach trip! Frolic in the waves, take photos, invite friends along. Just enjoy a beach day. - Go for a Relaxing Boat Ride:
If your pup would enjoy it, consider a boat rental at a local lake to soak up the sun and have fun with the waves. They can be surprisingly reasonably priced. Avoid this with fearful dogs. - Have a Backyard Campout:
Put up a tent in the backyard and make it feel special. Fairy lights, snacks, comfy blankets. Look up at the stars while the family shares stories and plays with the dog. - Visit a Dog Friendly Brewery:
A lot of breweries have outdoor patios that are dog friendly. Consider bringing your pup along for a drink (for you). - Take a Comfortable Car Ride:
Head out on a scenic ride. Go through favorite spots or explore new ones, just let your pup watch and sniff. - Build a Custom “Snuggle Station”:
Create a little cuddly safe space for you and your dog. Blankets, pillows, toys, whatever is needed! You can even build a blanket fort for both of you. - Play Hide-and-Seek with Treats:
Hiding treats around can be great stimulation for even an old or sick dog! This mental stimulation can be a fun activity for senior dogs who don’t have a lot of movement left in them. - Record a Personalized “Dog-umentary”:
Narrate videos of your dog doing their normal dog things, share relevant stories about them, etc - Create a “Scent Garden”:
Consider even a small highly scented garden. Most herbs are safe, but make sure you double check! You can even do this indoors for a few potted plants. Local farms will likely have manure for added scents as well - Spend Quality Time Together:
Above all, cherish every remaining moment. Prioritize one-on-one time with your dog, whether it’s cuddling on the couch, playing fetch, or simply offering gentle petting and words of love. Remember, the best bucket list items are tailored to your dog’s individual preferences, so you may think of something not on this list better suited for your pet.
