Bucket List Ideas for Dogs

It’s every pet parent’s worst nightmare… hearing the words “it’s terminal” leave your vet’s lips. Words cannot describe the devastation that comes with learning that the furbaby you've poured your heart into and made so many memories with is nearing the end. One way to honor your pet in their last days is to make them a bucket list and spend the time you have making memories and bringing them happiness and comfort.

In this article, we'll discuss things to consider when making a bucket list, like what stage of illness your dog is in and their physical capacity. We’ll also give you activity ideas for your pet's list, and hear from Ellorie Joyce, the mother of senior dog Kaylee, who went viral because of her family's mission to make her last days her best ever.

There is no one-size-fits-all bucket list. Every dog has unique interests and physical challenges. Let’s go over some things to consider when creating a dog’s bucket list.

Sociability

While an outgoing and social dog might love having a play date with other dogs, this same activity might be anxiety-inducing to a more introverted woofer.

Mobility and energy levels

Dogs with advanced illness, mobility problems, or low energy may be unable to do more physical activities like swimming, hiking, or sports.

Interests

You should also take into consideration which activities your dog enjoys and what their motivating factors are. Food-motivated dogs will probably enjoy food-centric bucket lists like pizza parties, breakfast in bed, buffets, and picnics. Dogs motivated by praise and affection, however, may enjoy visiting hospitals or nursing homes where they will be doted on by patients and residents.

Training and quirks

Finally, consider your dog’s training and quirks. If your dog has become incontinent or reactive, you might want to focus your bucket list on things you can do around the house or in a secluded area rather than in public.

Looking for bucket list inspo for your beloved woofer? Any one of these activities is sure to make your baby feel so loved.

Visit the beach

Everyone should see the ocean at least once in their life. Even non-swimmers will enjoy basking in the sun, digging in the soft sand, and exploring all the exciting sights and smells. Having the chance to take a dip in the world's biggest bathtub is just a bonus! Check to see if a dog-friendly beach is just an adventure away!

Take up donations for a local animal organization

There's no question that pets make a lasting impact on the lives of people who love them. But they can also make an impact on other pets in their community by rallying donations for local animal rescue organizations. Consider doing a bucket list fundraiser or food drive in your pup’s honor to spread the love and help pets still in search of a wonderful family like yours.

Have a snack party in bed

Who doesn’t love vegging out under blankets with some quality snacks? Make your pup feel like the royalty they are by serving them a tray of their favorite things while they lounge in bed (either yours or theirs!) Think finger foods like sliced cheese, sliced deli meat, hot dog weenies, and cubed chicken or steak!

Go leaf peeping in the mountains

The mountains have a way of putting life into perspective and are even considered sacred by many cultures. Being surrounded by beautiful formations that were around thousands of years before you and will be for long after you’re gone has a unique ability to soothe the soul. Granted, your dog probably isn’t going to give this any thought, but they will definitely appreciate the crisp mountain air, exciting smells, and wildlife. Even dogs with limited mobility can enjoy a car ride through the mountains to see the changing colors and stunning landscape.

Visit a nursing home or hospital

Visiting a nursing home or hospital is another way your pup can make a difference and spread joy. Residents and patients love getting the chance to pet and play with dogs,  because it brings them a sense of comfort and normalcy. Plus your pup will eat up all the attention, pets, and praise.

Make a charcuterie board of things your dog has never tried

If your dog is super food-motivated, consider creating a charcuterie board of things your dog has never had the chance to try— and don’t be afraid to get creative or go for a themed board. Some ideas include a seafood theme with salmon, crab, flounder, shrimp, and scallops, or go asian with a variety of sushi and sashimi, or a breakfast board with bacon, sausage, eggs, and pancakes, or keep it traditional with cured meats and cheeses.

Go on a road trip

If your dog enjoys car rides and exploring new places, a road trip is a great way to make memories that will last a lifetime. Along your trip take polaroids together at unique or famous locations to use in a scrapbook. Stop along your route for a scenic picnic or stay in a fancy pet-friendly hotel to make their getaway extra special.

Let your dog try doggy beer or wine

Did you know there's such thing as dog-safe wine and beer? Yep, and many formulas are made with anise which is the equivalent of catnip for dogs, giving them a stimulating effect. So, grab a glass of cabernet and a bowl of “chardognay” for Tucker to make them feel like the regal beagle they are.

Have a “spaw” day

If your pet is having a hard day with their illness, try pampering them with a “spaw” day. Apply a warm compress to their achy bits to loosen them up, and then give them a gentle massage to help relax those sore muscles. Use a paw balm for dry, cracked paw pads caused by chemo or old age, and slip some socks over their feet to seal in the moisture. Other spaw day ideas include warm baths, soft music, and painting their nails.

Have a party

Throwing your dog a party with all their favorite human and animal friends is a great way to show your pet just how much they are loved. The paw-sibilities are endless too, you could throw a BBQ party with kiddie pools and sprinklers for the four-legged guests to play in, or have a slumber paw-ty where the guests wear matching pajamas and watch movies and eat snacks. If you dog is a cheese lover like most canines, you could even have a fondue party with cheese dip and lots of yummy meats, veggies, and bread for dipping! No matter which direction you take your pet’s bucket list party, we’re sure they will paw-sitively love it.

Go shopping at local pet-friendly stores

For playful dogs, there's nothing more exciting than getting their paws on a new squeaky toy or chewie. Instead of just running in and out of the pet store for a couple of things, why don’t you make it a challenge to visit all the pet-friendly stores in your area? Your dog will love the quality time with you (the new toys, treats, and gear are just a bonus!).

Visit all the doggy parks in your area

If shopping isn’t your pup’s bag, try visiting all the doggy parks in your area instead. Let them play in the off-leash areas, make friends, and check out the walking trails. Let your woofer sniff whatever they want and follow scent trails as long as they want. They will love the chance to explore at their own leisurely pace.

Get their very own shoe (or chew item)

The idea of a bucket list is to do all the things your pet enjoys (or you think they would enjoy) that they don’t get the chance to do every day. If your dog’s idea of a good time is sinking their teeth into your shiny new loafers, why don’t you indulge them a little? Hit the thrift shop for a cheap and lightly used pair of shoes just for your woofer to chew. Tucker will think they’ve won the canine lottery!

Go tech-free for the day and focus solely on your woofer

A simple way to make your pup’s day is to put down the screen and dedicate all your attention to them for the whole day. Enjoy some cuddles together, go on walks, scratch their belly, and give them lots of treats. They will love the quality time with their favorite person in the world.

Eat chocolate

Eating chocolate is one of the most common bucket list items for dogs since it is highly toxic to dogs. But pet parents should save this activity for just prior to euthanasia since it can make dogs sick.

When I started this article, I knew I wanted to include a real dog bucket list story— and I knew which one — the story of Kaylee and Ellorie Joyce. I first came to know Kaylee and Ellorie through a Facebook group I’m in called Dogspotting Society where she posted that her child desperately wanted to rescue a senior dog, “He begged us to go adopt an old dog, so we went to BARCS and asked them to introduce us to the oldest dog there. They brought out Kaylee, and it was love at first sight!” she said in our interview. “Kaylee was the sweetest dog […] She just wanted to be with her people all the time.”

The Joyce family knew that Kaylee, then Chloe, wasn’t in the best shape — the shelter warned them that she had kidney disease, a UTI, and a torn ACL. Her former family surrendered her because they could no longer afford to pay for her vet care. But Ellorie and her family were sure she was the one and were prepared to tackle the medical care that came with her.

On June 12th, 2018, the Joyce family made it official, welcoming the beautiful senior bully into their home, but the celebration soon turned to sadness. Just a short time later, they learned that Kaylee had advanced-stage thyroid cancer. Sadly, the vets determined that she was too medically fragile to undergo treatment, and she would only have a few months to live.

The Joyce family decided that they were going to make the best of their last days with Kaylee and set out to make a bucket list. Since Kaylee was super food-motivated, they enjoyed activities like breakfast in bed, going out for burgers and ice cream, and picnics. She also enjoyed outings, hiking, seeing a solar eclipse, and dressing up. 

“She was a huge, bully breed dog, so people were often scared of her. She LOVED wearing costumes because she got so much positive attention when she did.” Joyce said. 

Miraculously, Kaylee lived another 7 months after her diagnosis. When she began to decline the following winter, her family set out to give her the best going-away celebration that a dog could dream of. She started her final day with steak and eggs and a pupcup, then enjoyed a cheese board with 12 kinds of cheeses to try (her favorite!)

Kaylee’s story went viral, garnering thousands of fans worldwide. Her story was chosen as the winner of Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes Campaign, which awarded a large donation to BARCs rescue, in Kaylee’s honor. Kaylee’s story has inspired many to adopt senior dogs and others to see the end of life in a more positive way — as a chance to celebrate their life.

When I asked Ellorie what was her favorite memory with Kaylee, she replied, “Honestly, they were the little moments at home. Putting a new costume on her and watching her waddle through the house to show everyone. Waking up with her big heavy head laying on me. Calling her a “tiny baby puppy” and seeing how happy she’d get.”

We commend Ellorie for her immense dedication to Kaylee and wish her luck on her new and future rescue endeavors, taking in needy dogs, cats, and even injured pigeons. We want to extend our most sincere thanks to Ellorie for sharing her story with us.

A lot of pet parents don’t want to be in the same room with their pet during the euthanesia process, but that this can be a frightening time for dogs, and having the people they love and trust most in the room with them can make the transition to the rainbow bridge much easier and less scary.

If your pet's pain becomes too much to bear, and you decide euthanasia is the most humane option, stay by their side for the whole process. We know it's hard, but your pet will be forever grateful to fall asleep for the last time in the arms of the person they love the most.

No matter how much you prepare or the memories you make beforehand, there is not much that can ease the pain of losing a furbaby. We want to leave you with some resources to help you and your family cope with the loss and a quote: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we have loved deeply, becomes a part of us.” - Helen Keller”

• 23 Comforting Rainbow Bridge Quotes for Grieving Pet Parents
• How to Grieve a Pet Who's Crossed the Rainbow Bridge
• How Long do Pets Grieve the Loss of a Loved One?
• The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement - A non-profit resource on euthanasia, end-of-life care, and how talk to children after the loss of a pet. 
• Lap of Love - A pet hospice offering grief counseling.