For pet owners, do you have arraingements for if pet outlives you?

Marie5656

Marie5656

SF VIP
Location
Batavia, NY
A Facebook friend (also a senior) posed an interesting question. She recently had to let her dog go over the Bridge, due to illness. She would like to get another, but her son is against it. He was concerned what would happen if she passed before the dog, be cause HE would not want to take it.
The inconsiderate feelings of the son aside, those of you with pets, do you have plans for their care after you pass on? Especially if there is no close family or friends to leave the pet's care to?
Granted, my friend is just in her 60's and in good health. So it is not like she is going anywhere anytime soon. But it is a thought provoking question, anyway.
 

My kids are adults and would take Aidan if anything happened to me. He is a much-loved dog.

If I was in a different situation, I'd get a life insurance policy that is payable to someone I trust to take care of the dog, and consult a lawyer about what the legalities were. The thing is, I would not want the dog to end up in a shelter or to be left basically unattended in an empty house.

If I were in your friend's shoes, I would get a dog, age 5 or older, from a reputable rescue. Our rescue's contract states what to do when an owner dies or otherwise has to give up the dog. Basically, whoever gets the dog has to go through our adoption process (we want to make sure the dog will be well taken care of), does not pay any money to us, and if no one wants the dog, it is returned to the rescue.
 

That is why that I convinced my wife that we should not have a pet. Our last dog was a chihuahua that we had for 13 years, based on that I asked, "will you still be willing to walk him when you are 95?" I won't.

She has mentioned a parakeet, which we did have before. You do have to keep them away from the ceiling fans.
 
It's always something to think about as we get older.

My thoughts are whenever I die, I just know that I will have a pet at that point in time.
As things stand now, my youngest daughter loves dogs and would always take in mine to go along with the ones she has. She has the brother to my old lab Boo anyway.
And my son and daughter-in-law love cats, so another cat would probably be welcome with them. So for now I have my bases covered.

If I outlive my current pet family, I know that I would seriously think about getting an older animal in need of a home.
 
I 've made arrangements with my local Animal Welfare League of which I'm a life member and who are the only beneficiaries in my will ( no family) not that I have much but it's enough to care for them or find them good homes.
I've always had at least one cat, one dog ... Jambo's 10 now ( labxstaffy) so not too many years left ... cat's only 4 so could ( possibly) outlive me.
AWL has a foster scheme, whereby they'll look after the pet if owner has to spend time in hospital etc ... so that'll be where I choose my next dog if dear old Jambo expires
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top