Little Joys, Big Bonds: Creating a Joy List for You and Your Dog

When life feels chaotic, it’s easy to believe there isn’t enough time for fun. But here’s the truth — finding joy isn’t just possible, it’s essential for both you and your dog. And it becomes much more achievable when you create a Joy List.

A Joy List isn’t a wish list. It’s a collection of simple, everyday things that genuinely bring you happiness — the small, doable moments that fit naturally into your life.

Too often, we sabotage ourselves by chasing only the big things — vacations, grand adventures, perfect days. And while those matter, lasting happiness comes from noticing and nurturing the small joys that already surround you.

That’s where your Joy List comes in. By identifying and intentionally weaving in those little moments — the ones that make you and your dog light up — you’ll begin to ease stress, strengthen your bond, and bring more balance to your days.

Your Joy List

I’ll go first… when people ask me what brings me joy, I usually say, “Going to Walt Disney World!”

And while that’s absolutely true, I can’t exactly afford to be there every day. So does that mean I have to wait to be happy?

How depressing would that be?

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s the little things in life,” but it’s so easy to forget that in the middle of our daily chaos.

Think about the things you look forward to every day — your morning coffee, a walk on a sunny day, curling up with a good book, or watching your favorite show. Everyone’s list is different, and it can change over time. Just this year, one of my favorite joys has become listening to a playlist my son made for me.

Write them down. Writing helps you hold onto those small but powerful moments of joy. Then, when stress creeps in and your brain feels foggy, you have a ready-made reminder of the things that can help you reset and feel better.

Now commit to doing at least one of these things every day. Noticing and planning for these moments builds mindfulness and helps shift focus from stress to gratitude.

Your Dog’s Joy List

Now it’s your dog’s turn! They might not have opposable thumbs, so you’ll need to write their Joy List for them — but don’t worry, this can be a really fun bonding experience.

Just like us, every dog’s Joy List will be unique.

I have four dogs, and each of their lists looks completely different.

For example, my German Shepherd’s list includes: car rides, digging, morning cuddles, sniffing outside, and inspecting anything I bring in from outdoors.

My Labrador prefers walks in the woods, playing fetch, hide-and-seek with toys, chewing on bones, swimming, and playing with our Chihuahua (luckily, that one’s on the Chihuahua’s list too!).

Take time to observe your dog and notice what truly lights them up. These small, meaningful experiences form the building blocks of everyday joy for dogs, helping you strengthen your bond while keeping life playful and stress-free.

Sometimes it’s obvious, and sometimes you have to pay closer attention. All of my dogs will hop in the car, but my German Shepherd doesn’t just tolerate car rides — she comes alive during them. That’s why it made her list and not the others’.

Your dog’s Joy List can be a work in progress. As you explore new activities together, watch what makes their tail wag a little faster, and keep adding to the list.

Weaving it Into Your Day

With both of your lists in hand, start to look for ways to weave those joyful moments into everyday life. The goal is to find stress-free, realistic ways to set both of you up for a little extra happiness.

For instance, if you love a quiet morning coffee, that’s the perfect time for your dog to enjoy a favorite chew. You both get a calm, satisfying start to the day.

If your dog loves car rides, simple errands can become mini adventures. I love taking my Shepherd along for school pick-ups — we listen to my son’s playlist on the way, so we both get to check something off our Joy Lists.

And if your dog’s greatest joy is sniffing, combine it with your love of fresh air. Clip on a long line, step outside, and let them follow their nose while you soak in the sunshine.

These small, shared moments of joy strengthen your bond, ease stress, and remind you both that happiness doesn’t have to wait for “someday.” It’s already right here — in the everyday.

Why It Matters

I started taking my dogs’ Joy Lists seriously when I adopted my German Shepherd. I noticed a big shift in her once we began intentionally doing something each day that brought her joy.

By focusing on the simpler things she loved, it became easier for me to actually follow through — and that consistency made all the difference.

I also started noticing opportunities I might have overlooked before. For example, when I was called to pick up my child from camp in the middle of the night, I was tired and annoyed. But then I realized — as long as I had to make the drive, why not bring my Shepherd along? She was thrilled, tail wagging the whole way, and it instantly lightened my mood. Someone was happy about the midnight adventure!

In addition, when you start paying closer attention to your dog’s needs, you may find yourself taking a well-needed pause too. My Shepherd is elderly now, and she loves morning cuddles. I used to give her a quick pat before shooing her away so I could get on with my day. But I’ve become aware that our time together is more limited, so now I always make space for that moment. Slowing down to be present with her has brought a quiet peace to my mornings that I didn’t expect.

The beautiful thing about Joy Lists is that they’re not just about joy (though who couldn’t use more of that?). They’re also about connection and awareness. When we start noticing what brings us — and our dogs — joy, gratitude naturally follows.

In Closing

Take five minutes today to make two Joy Lists — one for you, and one for your dog. Then choose one thing from each list to enjoy together.

Remember, your lists are meant to evolve as you both try new things. It’s perfectly okay if your dog doesn’t love something — that’s useful information that helps you discover what truly lights them up.

Most of all, give yourself permission to slow down, notice the small moments, and celebrate them. Joy is already waiting for you — now go out and find it!