Thinking about creating a bucket list for your beloved pet can be difficult, but such a list allows you to spend precious time focusing on making memories with your furry companion. Many pet owners start bucket lists once a senior pet reaches their final days, or after they've been diagnosed with a terminal condition, such as untreatable cancer. If your pet falls into this category, keep these considerations in mind as you create your furry friend's list, to ensure they remain happy and comfortable.
What limitations does my pet have?
When planning your pet's bucket list, think carefully about the physical and emotional limitations that may preclude them from certain activities. For example, pets afflicted with inflammatory bowel disease may become nauseous, with vomiting and diarrhea, if they enjoy too many off-limits foods. Consider your pet's energy level, stamina, and comfort level before engaging in activities on their bucket list. There are many ways to make their favorite activities more accessible. Maybe your dog has arthritis but still loves their ball, consider rolling the ball on the floor towards them so they can still catch it without needing to run.
What does my pet enjoy? What do we enjoy together?
Keep in mind that this bucket list is mostly for your pet. While you can add activities your pet has never tried before, you should limit their list to items you know they enjoy, whether related to food, special activities, or favorite people, pets, or places. For example, if your pet is not a social butterfly, and prefers to stay close to only a few loved ones, avoid busy, chaotic adventures filled with a multitude of strange people or pets. It's also important to think about your favorite activities together. Let this list be a celebration of your bond together and the wonderful activities that make you feel connected. Once you've narrowed down your list to the best foods and activities, ask your family veterinarian to approve the list, based on your furry pal's condition. They can also offer tips on ensuring your cherished pet remains happy and safe during their bucket list exploits, and how to read your pet's body language for indications of discomfort, anxiety, or stress.
What are some examples of bucket list activities my pet might enjoy?
If you run into a creative block while brainstorming ideas for your pet's bucket list, here are some activities your furry companion may enjoy:
- An afternoon sunbathing
- A stroll with a favorite canine or human companion
- Visiting a national or state park
- A baseball game
- Hanging out at the beach
- Playing their favorite game for as long as they want
- Hitting all the town's pet-friendly hot spots, sampling food at each one
- Choosing a toy and bag of treats at the pet store
- Being pampered during a spa day at a grooming parlor (Consider a mobile groomer that will come to your home for pets that may not be able to stand for long periods of time)
- Hanging out at doggy daycare and making new friends (this can be very tiring for some geriatric dogs)
- Rolling in something smelly
- Running off-leash in a large field
- Snuggling on the couch all-day
- A ride in the car
- A party with favorite two- and four-legged friends
- Special foods and treats
- A snuffle mat
- Take your dog on a Sniffari, an outing where your dog sniffs whatever they want and leads you
Creating and fulfilling a bucket list for your pet helps you feel that you've granted all their wishes during their last few days, and also arms you with happy, positive memories as you begin the grieving process and start the healing phase.
If your beloved pet has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or is entering life's downward slope, you may choose to support them through their final moments with hospice care. For more advice or support on preparing for the inevitable, please call our office line at (802) 871-2329.
