Golden Years; Crafting a Meaningful Bucket List for Your Senior Dog

Oldies but Goodies

I guess the correct way to say it is, oldies and goodies, but I'm so used to saying OBGs and being an OBG myself, I'm stuck in my ways. So, let's chat about OBGs or OAGs, whichever you prefer.

All of my dogs, like me, are getting old, Vibe is 13, Elf is 11, Flea is 9 and View is 6. Of them, Vibe is the only one who is showing his age. He sleeps more soundly and has that soft expression that makes my heart hurt every time he looks at me, and when I call him I have to pay attention to see whether or not he heard me, I also need to check before I call him to make sure when he hears me, he isn’t going to whip around and hurt himself because he is still super responsive when he does hear his name and he seems to forget that he’s no spring chicken anymore. Ugh, be still my heart.

As a pet ages, they take you from doing to feeling. When they are young, you’re out doing all the things, and as they get older and less active, you feel all the things every single time they look at you. Those eyes, the gray, the expression, it just hits your soul. If you’ve ever had a senior pet you know what I’m talking about. If you’ve never experienced an aging pet, you’ll know when it happens. It’s a heart-stopping moment when they look at you and you see something different, something softer, something gentler, something more earnest, and your heart melts with love and hurts with the loss of the wild, mischievous times and the knowledge of the harsh reality, that the clock is ticking, and this chapter will come to an end.

When is a dog Considered a Senior? The AVMA points to various experts who suggest a dog is senior when they hit the last 25% of their life expectancy.

Because breed and size play a big role for when a dog is thought of as senior, it’s tough to state a specific age. Bigger dogs tend to age faster. For example, generally, a large breed dog like a Great Dane will become a senior sooner than a small breed like a Jack Russell.

Regardless of your pet’s age, if you or you start seeing signs of aging, you might have a senior pet.

What makes oldies such goodies?

OBGs are happy to cuddle while binging the latest Netflix shows.

Vibe was never very cuddly until that last year or so. Yes, he enjoyed his morning scratches and pets, but now he wants to lay next to me and will happily nap while I watch shows.

Less time destroying.

Vibe never destroyed anything as a puppy, because he was born a perfect boy. But some dogs, (Elf) are destructive as puppies, and I’ve heard that they can grow out of it. Elf has not, so somebody please tell her to stop destroying her brother’s beds! She has stopped eating my shoes, so that’s a plus.

They can become more tolerant.

Vibe has never been fond of other dogs in his space. He’s never been aggressive or mean, but he would let other dogs know to get out of his bubble. These days, I’m shocked by how tolerant he is when View, the wild child, jumps off the couch, over him and Vibe just barely notices.

Your bond is stronger than ever

You have all the years of history together and your OBG knows you can be counted on and the two of you are completely in tune with each other, and that's the best.

Now that we've established what you already knew, that your OBG is the best dog ever, what can you do to ensure you're giving your OBG the best life ever and you make the best of the time you have left?

Now that we've reaffirmed what you've always known – that your OBG is the best dog ever – what steps can you take to ensure they enjoy the best possible life and make the most of the time you have together?"

Live in the moment

As you watch your OBG slowing down, it's easy to focus on your limited time. I struggle hard with this, it's like an era coming to an end and everything will be different. But, thinking about your loss before it happens is taking away the now. So, instead, enjoy every day with your senior.

The easiest way I can think of to do this is to create a bucket list for your OBG.

Creating your dog's bucket list

When making your bucket list or picking things off your list, consider:

Mobility: You may need to come to terms with your vision and reality. Maybe you always dreamed of doing an overnight hike. It's okay because your OBG is going to be happy to just walk half a mile or even lounge in the forest with you.
Overall health: If you plan to head out of town, a prior vet check may be in order to evaluate your senior. You don't want to be out of town and need to find a random veterinarian.
If they’re having a good day or a bad day: The thing with seniors is they have bad days. If your OBG is having a bad day, you might need to modify your plan for they day, and call it a Netflix day instead.

The bucket list is a way to share special moments together while improving their quality of life as they age. Let your dog guide you on what they can and cannot do!

Bucket list ideas

1. A Pet Photography Session. A professional photo session is not only a special experience at the time, but it will also help you feel close to your pet when they are no longer by your side. Having images around your home to relive great memories is the best way to style your home and preserve them for years to come.

2. Use your phone to take videos. When your dog is no longer here, you may want to create a video of your favorite memories.

3. Go for a Weekend at a Pet-Friendly Hotel or cozy Airbnb. Enjoying morning coffee next to the cabin in Duck Creek it one of my favorite ways to escape the daily distractions. You two can spend a cozy weekend sharing special moments while taking in the fresh air.

4. Go on a Picnic Date. It could be just the fam and your pet, or invite a few others to tag along. A picnic is a wonderful way for your OBG to take in all the smells while chilling with you, your family, and your friends.

We have several fantastic parks in Vegas, but don't forget Spring Mountain State Park. It's cooler than Vegas and so much calmer, and the picnic area is beautiful.

5. Put a Camera on Your Pet’s Collar and See Life from Their POV.

Cameras like GoPros can capture your pet’s world in a way you have never seen. If your pet tolerates it, put a camera on them and let them record their day-to-day life.

6. Revisit Old Haunts.

Take a trip down memory lane and visit places you've shared with your senior dog over the years. It's a nostalgic journey that can reignite cherished memories.

7. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset Together.

On your porch, or patio, or if you're OBG is adventurous, head to Lake Las Vegas to sit on the grass for a relaxing outdoor concert while the sun goes down.

8. Spa Retreat. Pamper your senior dog with a spa day at home. Gentle grooming, a warm bath, and some relaxation time can make them feel cherished. If your OBG is having trouble getting around, an Epsom salt bath can do wonders. I have the recipe on my senior dog gift guide blog post.

9. Sensory Adventures. Design activities that engage your senior dog's senses. Scatter a trail of their favorite treats in the grass, let them explore new textures, or simply enjoy the feel of a cool breeze on a warm day.

10. Pawprints, Stepping Stones or Other Artwork. Either order a paw print kit and make something yourself, or have something custom-made off of Etsy. The options are endless.

Each idea on this bucket list is an opportunity to celebrate the life and love you share with your senior dog while keeping you in the moment.

Please let me know if I missed anything.

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To continue through the blog circle, click the link at the bottom of each post, starting with Pittsburgh pet photographer Jessica Wasik with Bark & Gold Photography helps you welcome home an adopted older dog.

2 Comments

Aug 25, 2023, 9:42:01 AM

Nicole Hrustyk - Thank you, Kim.

Aug 25, 2023, 4:53:21 AM

Kim Hollis - The bond is certainly stronger than ever. I love the bucket list too.

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Golden Years: Crafting a Meaningful Bucket List for Your Senior Dog