January always feels like a fresh start, and this year I decided to make it all about Zero. He’s ten now, still full of energy, still curious, and still my little adventure buddy. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how fast life moves and how much I wish I’d spent even more time with him in the past. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve done so much together, seen so much of the world, but the small, everyday moments matter just as much as the big adventures.

This year, I wanted a little help staying intentional, so I made a doggy adventure scratch-off book. Every page is a new idea for us to try, a mix of simple, silly, and fun activities that we might not otherwise make time for. Some of the ideas are as small as a morning stroll somewhere new, others are little indulgences like treating Zero to a fancy dog-friendly cafe. But each one is a reminder to pause, focus on him, and just enjoy the moment. We’ve already scratched off a few: early-morning walks through quiet streets, where Zero stops at every sniff-worthy patch of grass like it’s the first time he’s ever seen it. Watching him explore always makes me laugh, and it reminds me how much joy there is in slowing down. On other days, we’ve explored local parks, trails, and even indoor activities when the weather hasn’t been great. The scratch-off book has made it fun to mix it up, keeping each day a little adventure. The best part is that I made the book to give me little prompts to think beyond the usual routine, and a place to put a photo, turning ordinary days into memorable moments we can both enjoy.

January has already been a reminder of how precious our time together really is. Zero has been by my side through so much of life, and while we’ve explored more than most dogs ever will, the moments that stick aren’t always the big trips, they’re the quiet, playful, and unexpected adventures we create together.

This year, my goal is simple: more doggy dates, more scratch-offs, more memories. Because at ten years old, Zero is still full of life, and I want to make every moment count. Adventures aren’t about how far we go, they’re about the time we spend, the love we share, and the memories we make along the way.

Zero may be ten, but he’s still got plenty of energy for new experiences, new smells, and new favorite spots. And with our doggy date scratch-off book in hand, I can’t wait to see what adventures we’ll discover together in 2026. If you’re looking for a little more intention with your own pet this year, come join the Military Pet Club. It’s free, it’s simple, and it’s a space made for military families who love their animals as fiercely as we do.