Creating a Bucket List for Your Senior Pets
If your senior pet could talk, how would they ask to spend their final days with you? What would they want to do, and where would they want to go?
You can have so many things on your mind as your pet is getting older, so it will probably feel overwhelming to take the time to sit down and write a bucket list for your senior pet. It can make what’s happening feel too real, and sometimes even knowing where to start with ideas can feel all too much.
However, creating a bucket list for your furry family member can be a perfect way to make precious memories that you and your pet can treasure, and be a chance to say ‘thank you’ for all of the special times that you've shared.
There is no right or wrong way to create a bucket list for your senior pet. As long as you focus on showing your beloved pal a whole lot of love - you can't go wrong. But if you're feeling a bit stuck on how to start on a list of memories that they’ll (and you’ll!) never forget, give some of these ideas a try:
Take a walk down memory lane
Look back on some of the most treasured memories you have of your pet over the years. What did they love doing when they were younger? What were some of their favourite things that may not be as prominent in their life at the moment? Revisiting old photos and videos could be a great way to remember moments that you might be able to relive.
This could look like a go-to beach or park from when they were a puppy, or buying a version of a favourite toy or food from years gone by. While you may need to make sure that the experience is appropriate for your pet right now - for instance, a slower walk around their favourite park, sometimes taking your senior pets down memory lane can also help them regain a glimmer of their youthful spark for the day.
Breaking (some) rules
Spoil your senior pet with some extra TLC and let them break the rules for a day (within reason, of course). Think about little things like letting them dine out on their favourite food that isn’t part of their usual diet (because treats really do make everything feel better!) or letting them sit on that normally off-limits couch with you for a cuddle. You could even indulge and splurge on some luxury toys or food like Chewy Vuitton or Dr Chris Brown approved Woof Gateaux pet cakes.
Ask your family
Treasuring your senior pets’ final days is as much about you and your family who have welcomed them into your home and heart, as it is about them. Involving the whole family in the making, and fulfilling, of the bucket list can be a way to help people start to come to terms with such a difficult loss and say goodbye in their own way.
You may be pleasantly surprised by the different memories and ideas that your family members have, particularly the littlest members of the family. They may have a treasured memory or activity that you hadn’t thought of, or even known about!
Encouraging sharing and reminiscing can also be a beautiful way to bring families closer together in preparation for the loss of their furry family member and start important conversations before the hardest time comes.
Get inspiration
If you’re feeling stuck, head online and take a look at all of the incredible ways that others have made bucket lists for their senior pets. Start by searching ‘pet bucket list’ on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok and there is video after video filled with ideas that you could think about for your senior pet. We just love Apollo’s adventuring and this 19 year old hospice cat checking off bucket list items.
Making a bucket list is such a beautiful way to bring you and your pet comfort during an incredibly difficult time. The activities that you choose don’t need to be complicated or expensive, they can be unique little things each day that give your senior pet some extra love and care during their final days.
At the end of the day, it’s all about dedicating time to your ageing pet and doing things that you know they would love to help them cross the rainbow bridge feeling loved and comforted.
