You may not want to think about creating a bucket list for your beloved pet, but such a list allows you to spend precious time focusing on making memories with your furry companion. Most 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, healthy, 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, if your pet is suffering from degenerative myelopathy, they may not be up for hiking one of the 14ers, the Colorado mountain peaks that exceed 14,000 feet. 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. 

What does my pet enjoy?

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. Once you’ve narrowed down your list to your pet’s favorites, 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 healthy 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

* Hanging out at doggy daycare and making new friends

* Visiting a nursing home or hospital to pass out doggy kisses

* Swimming

* Rolling in something smelly

* Running off-leash in a large field

* Snuggling on the couch all-day

* A road trip with the car windows down

* A party with favorite two- and four-legged friends

A popular pet bucket list item is food that is typically off-limits, such as chocolate, steak, and other foods that are known for causing illness in pets. While you should avoid toxic or high-fat foods, you can give your pet small amounts of “people food,” such as potato chips, pizza crusts, or a strip of bacon. However, many pets with terminal conditions have sensitive gastrointestinal tracts and may vomit or have diarrhea with diet changes. Speak to your family veterinarian before offering your pet special treats. You can also spoil your terminally ill pet by planning a final meal filled with all the foods on the “do not feed” list. If you scheduled in-home euthanasia with your Lap of Love veterinarian, you can grill, bake, and dish out all those foods that caused your pet to drool, but were hazardous to their health. 

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 advice or support on preparing for the inevitable, turn to pet loss support groups and counseling. Other pet owners who have been in your situation can guide you on creating the perfect bucket list for your pet, and how to best cherish the memories of your furry companion.