As people get older, they often create a bucket list. This is a list of activities they want to complete before their passing or otherwise affectionately known as ‘kicking the bucket.’ Many of us do the same for our pets. Whether they are considered geriatric or have received a terminal health diagnosis, being purposeful with the time you have left can help ease your anticipatory grief and create lasting memories with your pet.

Bucket lists can include as many or as few activities as you’d like. The activities can be simple everyday things you want to be sure they enjoy, or can be something you’ve never tried with your pet. Regardless of your bucket list idea, be sure your pet is the focus and you’ll both enjoy it. Each pet has unique comfort levels and preferences. Consider what they may enjoy and go from there.

The Inspiration of Tembo

Gentle Journey Vet Care was inspired by my own dog Tembo. A medium-sized, spectacularly-colored dog with ears for days. His soulful eyes captured everyone’s heart, but they only consistently searched for me. When he was diagnosed with degenerative myelopathy and lymphoma back-to-back, his care went from routine to high-needs overnight. Daily medications, upkeeping his hygiene, adjunctive therapies like the underwater treadmill and acupuncture, and weekly chemotherapy appointments. Without the intensive and ever-evolving care I provided, his end-of-life would not have been as long or as comfortable.

When I knew his decline was imminent, I planned a bucket list. His birthday was in September, and so we took the month to celebrate “Septembo.” His list included a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, a pup cup and a hamburger at Shake Shack, and a trip to the beach — we even made custom t-shirts and he enjoyed a cake with his sister Laika.

Although Tembo’s passing was one of the hardest moments of my life, the memory of his bucket list adventures continues to comfort us over and over. We smile thinking of the tourists ogling the dog in the stroller on the bridge, or how big his eyes got when he saw his Septembo cake. Tembo’s bucket list gave us special moments together that are unforgettable.

Tembo inspired Gentle Journey and is the reason this practice exists. It only feels right that we share the opportunities for people to create their own memories with their beloved pet, just like I had the chance to with Tembo.

Tembo in his stroller at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Ideas for Your Bucket List

Every bucket list is different because every pet is different. When creating your pet’s list, you should choose things that are meaningful for you and enjoyable for your pet.

Grab a Snack - Many pets enjoy a ‘pup cup’ from the local coffee shop or being treated to a hamburger from the local drive through. If your pet loves these, be sure to add it to their bucket list! If they have never tried it, now may be the time to treat them.
Forbidden Fruit - There are many toxic foods that you have avoided to keep your pet safe. But what if they could enjoy it without any consequences? Many guardians offer their pet chocolate, garlic, onions, fatty meat, coffee or something outside of their current restricted diet to enjoy the morning of their euthanasia appointment. That way, they can enjoy the food and never get sick.
Location, location, location - Some pets love the beach and others love the woods. But many pets have only ever known inland or city life. A trip to the beach can be a once in a lifetime experience for you and your pet, or a tried and true day of fun to enjoy. Don’t forget to bring a photographer! These are memories you’ll want to have forever. If your pet doesn’t love new places, consider the end of the block or even the next room. A trip can be as long or as short as they are comfortable with.
Celebrate Good Times - If your pet loves people and/or other pets, consider inviting their favorites over to enjoy time together. You can include a party hat, customized banner and species-appropriate cake.
Budget-Friendly - Celebrating your beloved pet doesn’t need to cost you. Consider playing with their favorite toy, or brushing them while they lay in their favorite bed.
Strike a Pose - A photoshoot can be a great way to capture your pet and you together. Find a photographer that can take photos that you will cherish the rest of your life. If you are interested in capturing those moments, reach out to The Tilly Project who connects pet guardians with end-of-life pet photographers to provide photoshoots at low or no cost.
Keep it Comfortable - It can be tempting to plan something big and special for your pet. However, if your pet is most comfortable at home in their routine, consider small, but impactful ways to make memories.

Why create kits?

There is never an age where we feel like we have enough time with our pets. We love them our whole lives. Whether saying goodbye, or wanting to make a gotcha day extra special, it can be hard to come up with activities to do with your pet.

Our kits were created from the experiences of guardians who wanted to celebrate their pet in meaningful ways. We know how hard planning can be as you prepare to say goodbye to your companion. We’ve decided to offer an easy option to take the guesswork out of celebrating your pet.

The Memory Maker Kit

The Memory Maker Kit contains an experience, a snack and a keepsake for you to enjoy. An instant camera will allow you to capture special or everyday moments you won’t want to forget. Thirty exposures are plenty to make sure you capture it all.

Many of our pets are on specialized or restricted diets as they get older and sick. Our kit contains a special treat for them to indulge in. Letting go and enjoying the finer things in life can be a great way to have fun together.

Finally, a kit from a local glass blowing studio Hot Sand provides a beautiful glass paw print keepsake. This includes foam that molds to your pets paw, allowed to dry over 48 hours and return postage provided. The studio will mail back the mold for you to keep, along with a clear glass print of your pet’s paw, hand blown by their artists.

We created this kit with the hopes of creating lasting memories with your beloved pet, at any time in their life.

Supporting You and Your Pet to Make More Memories

If you have a high-needs pet, or are not sure what is an appropriate set of goals to have on your list, we would be honored to help. Dr. Stephanie has helped many pet guardians assess their pet’s health and create a list of activities tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

You can schedule a virtual consultation to discuss options for your pet and how to ensure they are comfortable and having fun.

It's Never Too Early to Make a Bucket List and Create Memories with Your Pet

Fun with Enrichment for Your Dog