When my beloved dog Snickers began aging, I noticed she started to refuse longer walks by stopping and lying down in the grass.  She seems to need more rest, and more quiet time.  She moves a little slower, eats less and snuggles more. Naturally, the things I do with Snickers change as life changes. We are a pair sometimes… I am moving slower too, and appreciate more down time. 

Bucket lists can be a really fun and engaging way to enjoy your time together, create more memories and preserve them. But here’s the key - the bucket list for an aging dog or cat should improve both your and their quality of life.

Typically bucket lists are filled with exciting and high energy things like hiking and restaurant tours.  And while some people might do these things with their pet, they can sometimes be too much for an aging pet.  

I’ve always enjoyed long hikes in the woods with Snickers, and I’ve secretly harbored a wish to start bikejoring with her.  At the moment I am too out of shape, and the pounding pavement would be too much for Snickers’ joints. Instead, we drive through some of Minneapolis St Pauls’ best state parks with the windows open, and pick a short trail to walk on together.  When I am in no hurry I let her sniff as much as she wants along the way.  It’s good for our collective souls to slow down and appreciate nature.

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

●       Mobility:  can your pet handle a long walk, or does she prefer a short stroll, or a ride in a stroller?  Does your dog need help getting in and out of the car? 

 ●       Overall health: If you are headed out in the cold Minnesota winter, look for cracks in their paws, their ability to keep warm, and their tolerance for moving in colder weather. Our summers can be equally brutal, so consider whether they can handle the heat, especially their paws on a hot summer day.  

●       If they’re having a good day or a bad day: let your pet’s needs guide your activity.  On good days, celebrate their relative health- run, play, be a dog!  On the challenging days, opt for quieter activities from home.  There is no need to push your pet into an activity.  You will both enjoy it when you are both feeling up to it.  This bucket list is meant to be a list of ideas to enhance quality of life and to share special moments together as they age. Let your pet guide you on what they can and cannot do!

Without further ado, here are five fun, memory building activities to try with your aging pet in Minneapolis St Paul. 

1. A Pet Photography Session. A shameless plug here.  Since I am a professional pet photographer, this is near and dear to my heart.  I hear all the time from clients whose pets are in their last days who express regret over not scheduling a photo shoot when their pet was feeling more themselves.

A professional photo session is not only a relaxed experience, it also will help you feel close to your pet once they are no longer with us. My clients cherish photos celebrating their pet’s adorable and unique personality. Having pictures enlarged and framed to relive great memories is a fun way to style your home, and preserve them for years to come.

2. Go for a Weekend at a Fancy Pet-Friendly Hotel or Airbnb. Enjoy a drink on the roof top deck with a breathtaking view of the Minneapolis skyline, then take your pet on a stroll in Minneapolis’ historic North Loop District.  Both of you can settle in to your cozy room at The Hewing Hotel. 

Or, if you fancy a road trip, head to one of my favorite locations, the North Shore.  I recommend staying in Lutsen so you are close to Grand Marais and the Summit Express gondola in Lutsen, with some of the best views of the north shore.  You and your dog can ride the gondola to the top of Moose Mountain, and enjoy a meal on the deck facing the shore.  Especially beautiful in the fall!  There are even short trails to walk, if you and your dog are up for it.

3. 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 great way to enjoy nature with your pet, without the need to walk a long distance.  You don’t have to go far. Your backyard - or even your livingroom - might be the perfect spot.  If you want to pick up some food on your way, here are some ideas:

Gold Medal Park + SawatDee - an urban oasis in the heart of Minneapolis. Lots of green space to enjoy the Mississippi and views of US Bank Stadium.

Theodore Wirth Park + Good Day Café - If you love home cooked food that tastes as good as it looks (even the desserts) then Good Day Cafe is for you. I recommend the carrot cake and the lemon ricotta pancakes. Take your food to nearby Theodore Wirth Park and enjoy views of the golf course or the Minneapolis skyline while you and your pet nosh. If you are up for a hike after, there are many lovely wooded hikes to enjoy with your pooch.

Lake Harriet  +  Sebastian Joe’s ice cream. Minneapolis’ Linden Hills neighborhood is a foodie paradise! Not all of the restaurants are dog friendly, but if you get your ice cream from Sebastian Joes, you can enjoy it while you walk to Lake Harriet. This park is adjacent to one of my favorite pet photo locations ever, Lyndale Rose Garden. There are plenty of places to sit and rest, and enjoy.

No matter where you go with your pet, bring them their own charcuterie board created by Rachel at Barkuterie Box. My Snickers loves these small batch, wheat free treats.

4. Watch the Sunrise or Sunset Together. At the beach, from the countryside, or anywhere else with a clear view should work. I’ve spent many beautiful mornings at Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun)- it has a great view of the Minneapolis skyline.  I find morning a peaceful time, and it’s a lovely way to start the day with your pet.  When we are visiting the north shore, I love watching the sunrise from the harbor in Grand Marais. No matter where we are, it’s a great time to just be there, with each other, soaking in your love and devotion for your pet.

5. Plant a Tree or Bush with Them. And you’ll think of them every time you look at it.  Or ,leave the digging to your city.  Many of our Twin Cities metro areas offer opportunities to make a tree or bench donation in honor or memory of your beloved pet. 

 What else should be on the list? Let me know!