Adventure awaits for shelter dogs

At Regional Animal Shelter of King William County, every dog deserves the chance to experience the good life, even before they land homes of their own. Enter: the Dog Bucket List program, a new volunteer-driven initiative that gives dogs a break from kennel life and a chance to check off some fun experiences.

This innovative program matches dogs with volunteer adventure buddies, who take them out for the day to hike a local trail, get a pup cup, ride shotgun and feel the breeze, splash in a creek, or simply nap on a couch watching movies.

Each dog has their own bucket list, tailored to their personality and energy level. For some, it’s a big day of exploring the outdoors. For others, it’s a quiet afternoon being spoiled and snuggled. These experiences aren’t just fun; they also help dogs decompress, show off their true personalities, and build social skills that help them get adopted.

One thing is always the same — the final item on every bucket list: find a home.

The Dog Bucket List program helps to boost adoptability of dogs in the shelter. Potential adopters get to see real-life photos and videos of dogs being dogs, not just dogs in kennels.

It also improves the dogs’ mental health. Even a single day out of the shelter can significantly reduce stress.

Plus, it creates advocates. Volunteers often become passionate champions for their adventure buddy, sharing their story and helping to find them a home. And the program strengthens community bonds. Community members love seeing dogs out and about, and they often stop to ask how they can help.

Program highlights include:

• Customized bucket lists that staff and volunteers create to plan fun, safe activities for each dog
• Easy sign-up process during which volunteers can commit to a single outing or become regular bucket list buddies
• Social media storytelling where every adventure is documented and shared, turning outings into powerful adoption campaigns
• Low-barrier volunteer opportunity with no long-term commitment or prior experience required — just a few hours and a love for dogs

Skipper is everything you could want in a best friend: loyal, fun loving, affectionate, and always ready for the next great adventure. So when it came time to check off a day of fun from his bucket list, this 1-year-old brindle beauty went all in.

Skipper hit the trails with his volunteer guide, charging forward with joy, curiosity, and just a touch of mischief. He conquered rough paths like a seasoned explorer, splashed through puddles, sniffed every good smell, and made sure to stop and greet every friendly face along the way.

When the hike was done, Skipper climbed into the front seat, his rightful throne, and gave the kind of satisfied sigh only a tired, happy pup can. He curled up, paws twitching in post-adventure dreams, and snoozed the whole ride back.

This outing wasn’t just fun. It gave Skipper a chance to be seen for who he really is: a smart, loving dog with so much heart. After 100 days at the shelter, Skipper has been adopted!

When Ariel first came to the shelter, she was completely shut down, too afraid to be touched, too anxious to rest. Whatever she had been through before arriving left her terrified of people, other dogs, loud sounds, and the world. But day by day, moment by moment, she began to trust again.

Recently, Ariel experienced something truly magical, her first big bucket list adventure. She traded the kennel for the open road, riding co-pilot with the windows down, her red ears flapping in the breeze. She didn’t tremble or hide. Instead, she watched the world roll by with growing curiosity. She strolled along a quiet trail, rolled in the grass like a carefree pup, and soaked up every gentle word and kind touch her volunteer offered.

For a dog who once couldn’t bear to be seen, Ariel shined. She played, she smiled, and she got to simply be a happy dog. It was a glimpse of who she was becoming: a loyal, playful, deeply affectionate girl who just needed someone to believe in her.

And best of all, Ariel recently got to check off the very last item on her bucket list and went to a home of her own.

Give a dog a day of adventure or help find them a home:

• Explore programs at Regional Animal Shelter of King William County.
• Support lifesaving in Virginia.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.