When my dog Winston was diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer, the only thing that kept me sane with the idea of giving him even more amazing experiences while we still had the time. I created a bucket list for him – or a list of all the things I wanted him to do before he died. One specialist gave him three months to live, another said six to nine months. Winston would get 10 months.

If you facing a difficult experience like this and looking for dog bucket list ideas, maybe you use some of these. Some of these bucket list ideas we did even before his cancer diagnosis.

All this to say, my heart is with you. This was the most challenging time of my life so far but one I look back on fondly. I’d do it all again if I was given the chance. Please reach out if you need someone to talk to and for support.

Dog Bucket List Ideas:

• See the Ocean
• See a Great Lake
• Attend a baseball game together
• Professional family photo shoot together
• See Santa and get Christmas photos together
• Order off a dog menu at a restaurant
• Recreate our wedding photos with him in them
• Rent out the best Sniff Spots in our area
• Take a trip to hike our favorite trail
• Take one big last road trip together
• Go to a farm and meet all the farm animals
• Go to a dog-friendly zoo
• See the Christmas lights
• Get a dog charcuterie board
• Make a peanut butter painting
• Make a clay paw print
• Have a private, off-leash shopping spree at our favorite pet store
• Go to our favorite brewery again and see all our friends
• Order pup cups, doggie donuts, etc. at all different restaurants and businesses
• Support a cause in his honor
• Become a BARK ranger and visit more national parks together
• Become the cover of a dog calendar
• Go to a dog swim when a public pool is closing
• See a sunflower field together

I tried to link posts and memories of all the ones we checked off together to use for inspiration. The most important thing to remember is your dog doesn’t care what you are doing, as long as you’re together. Quality time together becomes the greatest currency. Spend it well. We hope this helps you as you navigate the final chapter together.