At Lifting Stars Veterinary Homecare, we believe that the best goodbyes are filled with love, reflection, and — whenever possible — a little joy. One of the most meaningful ways to honour your companion during this time is by focusing on what they’ve always loved most: their favourite things.
You know your pet best. You’ve been their companion, their voice, their advocate. So when it comes time to reflect on their quality of life, start by asking: What brought sparked them joy? What made them feel like themselves? What made them the happiest?
Was it their morning walk around the block, the quiet time curled beside you on the couch, or the way they used to race to the door when the leash came out? Maybe it was greeting the neighbours, chasing squirrels, sneaking onto the bed, or nudging their food bowl for a second dinner. Perhaps your cat lived for the sunbeam on the rug, the rustle of a paper bag, or licking the last drops of tuna from the can. These everyday rituals — the simple, specific joys — are where their personality shines through.
We often encourage families to write down a list of their pet’s three to five favourite things. Be specific. Not just “eating,” but stealing toast from the counter. Not just “playing,” but chasing the same tattered tennis ball until it disappeared under the couch. Sometimes these favourites are charmingly naughty — like barking at the mailman or knocking over a glass of water just to watch it fall. And that’s okay. If it brought them joy, it counts.
Once you’ve made your list, pause and reflect:
How have those favourite things changed over time? Are they still doing them? Are they still interested, or do they seem too tired, too sore, too withdrawn? Often, pets will continue to enjoy their routines in smaller, slower ways — but when even those begin to fade, it can be a sign that something deeper is shifting.
This gentle tracking can become a powerful tool for assessing quality of life. If the things that once sparked joy now cause discomfort or confusion, it may be time to speak with your veterinarian. Sometimes, small changes are the early signs of pain or illness that can be managed. Other times, it helps us begin to prepare for goodbye with clarity and compassion.
But this list isn’t just about evaluation. It’s also about celebration. In the time you have left together, honouring those favourite things — even once, even in a quiet, scaled-down way — can be a beautiful goodbye.
For dogs, it might mean letting them choose the route on their walk or giving them a little “off-leash” moment in a safe spot. It could be a final car ride, a visit to their favourite park, or a special meal shared on the living room floor. For cats, it might be as simple as creating a cozy nest in a sunlit corner, offering their most favourite treat, or playing that favourite toy just one more time that has all the feathers.
Even the tiniest rituals can carry so much meaning: letting them nap in your lap, sleeping in the same bed, feeding them by hand, or brushing their coat the way they love.
For families with children, this process can help young ones feel involved and connected. Inviting them to recall what their pet loves — or even act it out together — can transform grief into gentle gratitude. A child might want to give a final treat, draw a picture of their pet doing their favourite thing, or help make that last walk or cuddle extra special.
We’ve created a printable handout to help guide this process:
👉 Your Pet’s Favourite Things – Keepsake List (PDF)
It’s not a checklist. It’s a love letter. A way of saying, I remember you. I know what you love. And I see who you are.
Because sometimes, the kindest thing we can do is give our pets the very things that made their life feel full — one last time.