What to Do With Your Pet Before the World Ends

The Mayan calendar ends tomorrow, which means the impending apocalypse is less than 24 hours away. Will we all become zombies? Will a massive asteroid crash into our planet? What about an alien invasion? Could that happen?

Before you jump on an airplane to go skydiving or max out your credit card on the world’s remaining supply of Twinkies, it’s important to remember that today, December 20, 2012, isn’t just your last day to live, its also your pet’s final hurrah. So, you owe it to the member of your family that loves you unconditionally to spend the entire day together. And if you’re at a loss for what you two should do, don’t worry; we’ve compiled a comprehensive itinerary.

8 a.m.

Unleash your animal’s inner artist. Otters can paint. So can elephants. Head to your local craft store for pet-safe supplies and let your four-legged friend loose on a blank canvas. Don’t worry if he creates a total mess, all the evidence will be gone tomorrow.

11:30 a.m.

Make your cat or dog an Internet sensation. Your pet is the cutest and funniest animal in the entire world, right? Well, now’s the time to let everyone else find out just how great she is. Help her become the next Grumpy Cat by posting a funny photo of her on Reddit. Or maybe make up a "petody" à la the Pet Collective and have your fabulous feline take on “Call Me Maybe.” (Starting tomorrow, you’ll never have to hear that song again). Or, there’s always the old standby, a silly YouTube video of your pup dressed up in a funny costume or your cat being vacuumed. Be creative!

2:15 p.m.

Teach your canine a cool trick. Fido might’ve mastered sit and stay, but wouldn’t it be awesome if he knew how to put your dirty clothes in the laundry or wash his own toys? While he might not be able to teach chemistry like Paige and Dexter, these tricks will be useful for him to know if, by chance, the 2012 doomsday never happens.

5:30 p.m.

Build your kitty a cardboard castle. Back in September, Billy Browne became the sweetest cat owner ever when he built a tower entirely out of cardboard for his cat, Rufus. Here’s your chance to go down in history as the second sweetest cat owner ever.

8:45 p.m.

The end is near. You don’t have much time left. Are you starting to freak out? Light a kitten-scented candle, paint your nails, watch a funny dog video, or bake some cupcakes, anything to get your mind off the idea that in a few short hours you could be a zombie. Your pet doesn’t know the world is ending and is probably tired. Let him snuggle in his cozy bed and get some rest after his fun-filled day.

12:01 a.m.

Doomsday 2012 is upon us. What do you mean the moon didn’t crash into Earth? There were no extraterrestrial spottings at all? Wait a minute, nothing happened? Well, give your furry friend a big hug and get some rest. Tomorrow is another day.