The last time one of my pets died was quite a while ago, but the pain of that event never seems to really fade. The death of a pet does not only involve the pain of never seeing them again, but invariably also involves a wave of "could haves" and "should haves" even for great pet owners. Ultimately, time is the only thing we can never get back- but in our daily lives it can be hard to remember this when it can be more convenient to put things off for another day until we "feel better" or things are "less busy."
The truth is that there will never really be a better time. We all have the same 24 hours in the day, and most of our dogs will only live the same 8-15 years if we are lucky. You will mostly likely never be less busy, or feel more up for it- and before you know it, there you are staring at an urn with your pet's name and paw print on it.
I truly don't mean to bum anyone out- but having held many clients hands (literally or figuratively) as they process their pet's life and death, I think it's really important to acknowledge and engage with the fact that our dogs (and other animals) live painfully short lives and how we spend our time with them really does matter in the end. When people are sitting with that urn in their hands, they never think "I spent too much time walking my dog instead of focusing on my career." Instead, people tend to realize how much their dog missed out on.
So let's get into it and confront the hard stuff. Sit down with your journal (or just sit there over a cup coffee and do some deep thinking) and write down your dog's "Bucket List."
Imagine that your dog has already passed away. What things will you have regret not doing with them? What problems in their life do you wish you had resolved sooner or at all?
Think about the most rewarding moments you have had with your dog so far. Is it possible to have more of those moments, or moments like them?
What kind of moments or experiences that your dog is currently having need to NOT make an appearance on your dog's list?
List 5 "indoor" activities you and your dog would enjoy
List 5 "outdoor" activities you and your dog would enjoy
Your bucket list is going to be completely unique to you, and if you have multiple dogs each of their lists may look slightly different. It may be a good idea to post your list somewhere you can see it, such as the fridge or on the wall above your desk so that when you need inspiration, it's right there! It's likely that you will add to the list or cross things out as things change. For instance, if you end up making progress with your reactive dog, you might be able to check off "daily neighborhood walk" and add "attend group classes" instead. One of the benefits of making a bucket list for your dog is that in everyday life when you are already mentally drained, you're already halfway there if ideas are ready for you on a tangible list. All you have to do is pick an item, pack your dog's water bowl and treats, and hit the road!
We hope that this exercise is helpful to you and your dog! Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need help accomplishing your dreams- we are here to help you with any of your dog training needs!
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