Free Printable Reminiscence Activity: “Dogs Through My Life”
Few things spark warm memories quite like the loyal dogs who walked beside us through childhood, adulthood, and every season in between. Today’s free printable activity, “Dogs Through My Life,” invites older adults to reflect on the pets who shaped their lives—encouraging storytelling, emotional wellness, and joyful connection.
This worksheet works beautifully for one-on-one visits, small groups, room-to-room programming, memory care, and wellness sessions. Each prompt is designed to open gentle conversation and remind residents of moments that brought them comfort, laughter, and companionship.
✨ What This Activity Supports
- Emotional expression: Residents recall positive memories and meaningful relationships.
- Social connection: Prompts encourage group members to share stories and listen to one another.
- Reminiscence therapy: Ideal for cognitive engagement and activating long-term memories.
- Laughter & joy: Dog memories almost always bring smiles!
🐶 Download the Free Printable Worksheet
Click below to download your copy of the “Dogs Through My Life” activity page:
Use it as a stand-alone activity, or pair it with your monthly wellness, gratitude, or reminiscence programming.
📌 Facilitator Tips
- Give each resident plenty of time to reminisce before moving to the next prompt.
- Encourage verbal sharing for those who prefer talking over writing.
- Use background music to create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
- End the session by asking residents what qualities they loved most in their dogs—this closes the group on a positive emotional note.
📚 Resources for Building a Pet Therapy Program
If your residents light up whenever animals visit, consider growing a simple, well-structured pet therapy program in your community. Here are a few key pieces to have in place:
- Pet Therapy Policy & Procedures: Guidelines for handlers, consent, and safety.
- Health & Safety Checklist: Vaccinations, grooming, and infection-control standards.
- Volunteer or Handler Guidelines: Expectations, visit structure, and best practices.
- Visit Tracking Form: A simple log to document interactions and responses.
- Staff Education: Quick in-services covering the benefits of pet therapy.
You can create these forms yourself or use ready-made printables. Our Dog Activity Packet includes several tools to support pet-focused programming.
🐾 Want More Dog-Themed Activities?
This free page is part of our larger Dog Activity Packet, a beautifully designed printable set created for Activity Professionals who want ready-to-use programming for pet therapy days, wellness groups, and engaging social sessions.
The full packet includes:
- Dog reminiscence prompts
- Meet-the-Dog bio form
- Conversation cards
- Therapy dog visit sheets
- Journaling prompts
- And more!
❤️ Thank You for Supporting Creative, Compassionate Care
Activity Directors Network has spent over two decades supporting Activity Professionals with meaningful resources that inspire connection, creativity, and dignity. If you enjoyed this free printable, consider joining our monthly Calendar Club for access to ready-to-print activities, forms, and ongoing inspiration.
