What Will Happen To Me?
By Sue Dehner
What would happen if you didn’t make it home tonight? How long would it be before someone even knew there were pets that needed care? If you are the person who runs from any conversation related to death, or just can’t seem to “get around to it”, read this story about Jezebel and see if she can change your mind.
Her name was Jezebel. A beautiful 7 year-old black and tan Doberman, and she was loved. Her owner John adored his Jezzie and kept meticulous health records in a file with her name on it. She loved all people and got along well with all the other animals on his ranch just outside of Santa Fe, NM.
On a day just like any other day, John left the ranch and went into Santa Fe to do some errands. He was killed in an auto accident. Jezzie didn’t know why her dad didn’t come home that night or the next two. On the fourth day John’s children showed up at the ranch and loaded Jezzie into the car and took her to the Santa Fe animal shelter. She was confused and afraid. Where was my Dad?
A story like this can make you cry. But with a little planning, can be prevented.
Amy Shever, who volunteers as the Director for 2nd Chance 4 Pets (Welcome to 2ndchance4pets.org) states, “Thousands of pets are euthanized each year as a result of the death or disability of their owner.” 2nd Chance 4 Pets is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to educating the importance of continued care for their pets.
Their website is set up so that any pet owner can follow a few easy steps and understand what options are available to set up a long term plan for their pets and can provide peace of mind.
Ø Identify Caregivers - This is a most important factor. Don’t assume someone will come and care for your pets without asking, and don’t be afraid to approach someone who might be a perfect candidate. If you have no one to designate as a potential caregiver, see if your vet or other pet people would be willing to serve as backup caregivers or help identify a suitable home for your pets.
Ø Prepare written instructions outlining the care for your pets " Do your pets need medication or require a special diet? Are there other important things that you would like people to know about your pets if you are not around? The more specific you are, the easier the transition can be. Don’t hide this document. Tell as many people as you can where you keep it so it will be easy to access when the time comes.
Ø Set up a fund specifically for the care of your pets "There are pet lovers who may be willing to care for your pets but may be financially limited. Setting up a fund will help place your pet with someone who could give them a great home while covering the costs associated with caring for them.
Ø Pet ID cards and Emergency Contact Cards " Once you have set up your plan, fill out the information on these cards and keep one in your wallet and post one in your home.
Amy adds, “In general, you may not need a lawyer, but if you think there might be complications with your estate with your surviving family, consult a lawyer.”
If your situation needs a more formal document, a Pet Trust might be the option for you.
There are options available to ensure lifetime care.
- Pet Trust Plans - growing in popularity and now legal in 32 states, a Pet Trust is a legal document that outlines a “trustee” to manage the funds according to your instructions with your pets named a beneficiary.
- Sanctuaries and Lifetime Care Facilities - can be good options but may not be able to provide the level of care your pet is accustomed to. 2nd Chance 4 Pets recommends that you evaluate the program or facility to make sure it could be an environment where your pet will receive adequate love and care.
- Home Sweet Forever Home " people who have many pets, or special needs pets, may want them to live out their lives in the home that they are comfortable in. You can leave your home to a panel of people who can ensure care for your pets, where they will remain with a caregiver. (For more details see the ”Animal Care Panel” information on 2ndchance4pets.org under “Resources”)
If you have pets and want to understand your options, please go to: http://www.2ndchance4pets.org
So what happened to Jezebel? Well, even though her Dad didn’t have plans laid out for her care, Sara at the shelter contacted a nice woman she thought could offer the perfect forever home. Jezzie is now living out her cherished senior years in a house with a loving family and a few other senior dogs who welcomed her with open paws.
:scratch: This is something I need to attend to, especially for Merlin and Beau. Not that many people would be willing to take two male "markers." Thanks for posting this.
Auntie Karen :sunny:
Very true indeed, no one knows what would happen and it's a must to ensure our pets will be in safe..
My family (Mom and Brothers) know that my dogs are to go to DRNA. Three members have already promised that my babies will go to good homes.
You make a very good point that we should make plans should anything ever happen.
Yes everyone should do this. All I can say is Ron and Delia are "taken". :thumb:
we have my sister, brother and mum. We have told Jane the same plus the horses.
Roberta
Hilde will be going to MI if anythng happens to me. My best friend in town has a key to my place and will take of her until my sister gets here. Thanks for the post it is a very important thing to handle.
Quote from: Doxherding Karen on October 20, 2010, 01:00:20 AM
:scratch: This is something I need to attend to, especially for Merlin and Beau. Not that many people would be willing to take two male "markers." Thanks for posting this.
Auntie Karen :sunny:
Auntie Karen,
Mama and I will take Merwin & the Good Doktor for you.
Wuv,
Danni
I know DRNA is a rescue how do I find out more information about them is there a branch in Tulsa OK ? . MY hubby has no clue about taking care of dogs he will feed them if I'm ill or in the hospital but not very good with water.Was teasing him about him giving Patches a bath he said would never happen in his life time. I want to set something up with a rescue for Patches if anything were to happen to me.My hubby also thinks grooming is not necessary nor nail care he does not even know about butt squeezes he really would never ever do that nor would he spend monies at a groomer he is too tight with his monies. Buddy's breeder will take him back it is in the contract when I bought him so I do not have to worry about him just Patches. Thought my kids would take her but since they dumped Stormie at a shelter do not trust them with Patches. Papbouv
So very important - thank you for posting !
Quote from: papbouv on October 20, 2010, 05:59:00 PM
I know DRNA is a rescue how do I find out more information about them is there a branch in Tulsa OK ? . MY hubby has no clue about taking care of dogs he will feed them if I'm ill or in the hospital but not very good with water.Was teasing him about him giving Patches a bath he said would never happen in his life time. I want to set something up with a rescue for Patches if anything were to happen to me.My hubby also thinks grooming is not necessary nor nail care he does not even know about butt squeezes he really would never ever do that nor would he spend monies at a groomer he is too tight with his monies. Buddy's breeder will take him back it is in the contract when I bought him so I do not have to worry about him just Patches. Thought my kids would take her but since they dumped Stormie at a shelter do not trust them with Patches. Papbouv
I'm not a full member of DRNA right now, just a foster. However I have re-applied for my membership and I should have my membership at the first of the year. Any agreement you make would be between you and a member. I'd be glad to take Patches if need be but the problem is going to be transport, your half way across the country. You could set something up with any local rescue group.
Quote from: Marcia from MI on October 20, 2010, 03:04:46 PMAuntie Karen,
Mama and I will take Merwin & the Good Doktor for you.
Wuv,
Danni
Dear, dear, dear Danni And Auntie Marcia: :hug:
I am sitting here with tears in my eyes. I cannot begin to tell you what this means to me.
Merlin and Beau are such good-hearted dogs and have been a delight to own. And though I mumble and grumble about the "ownership" issues that go one whenever they get a chance to lift a leg, I don't regret one minute of their being part of my life.
Guinness, being only 6.4 pounds and a squatter, is not a problem and Ima is like his big sister, so the two of them can stay with Ann, my beloved roommate. She put up with D'Niel and his meltdown last year when I was in Europe - she's a true-blue friend.
As are all of the people on this board. I love you all!!
Auntie Karen :love4: