writing dogs into your will
I've been meaning to make some modifications to my will for the past year, but haven't found time to sit down and do it. Now that I have a month ahead of me that includes a lot more sitting  the will is on the agenda.
When I make the modifications I want to include instructions for the dogs. No worries if my husband is still around, but if we are both gone, I want my wishes clear, so that my gaggle of Sheeps are cared for accordingly. I've seen too many animals sent to the shelter because their owner passed on. My son's love the dogs and would take them, but they are young and don't have everything I think a dog should have. Anyone else out there care to share how you have provided for your dogs, just in case? We aren't the Helmsley's so leaving a cool 12m isn't an option.  |
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| There's a special place here, based on the Best Friends in Utah, who will take your dogs but you must also include an endowment.
You might want to talk to your sheepdog rescue in your area .... if you have sheepies. Also hopefully there are no kill shelters in your area, but remember to include money for their perpetual care. It is something to think about, thank you. |
I have specific instructions for all my pets in my will which include the funds to care for them. I think it is a very wise thing to do.  |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: I have specific instructions for all my pets in my will which include the funds to care for them. I think it is a very wise thing to do.
me too. |
| my one dog goes back to her coowner - that is in our contract. the other one the contract is silent on that. I suppose I need to get on this too. |
| Make sure to check that in your state "pet trusts" are allowed! |
| I didn't leave a "pet trust" I just left a portion of my life insurance to the caregive (who is a family member). They understand that it is for caring for the boys! |
Beaureguard's Mom wrote: I have specific instructions for all my pets in my will which include the funds to care for them. I think it is a very wise thing to do.
I see that Taskers Mom has a family member designated as the party to take over care. Is that the most common choice of dog "god parent"? Has anyone worked with an organization like Sheepieboss suggested? I would be happy to work with the local rescue as I trust them to place the dogs. But, if I have a trust set aside for their care, would it be better to make it a donation to the resuce rather than follow the dog to the new home? Miss Ellie has the option to return to her breeder, and I wouldn't think twice other than she would miss Buff tremendously. Ellies breeder and the kennel are so great, I wouldn't mind retiring there. I don't want Buff returning to his breeder. Marley doesn't have that option. My thought for funding is annual care and feeding times the years of life expectancy. Any input here would be great. |
| James and I just talked about this last night and we decided to designate our 401Ks to the dogs if we die. Since we'll be dead and won't need our retirement money, it'll work out perfectly. The only stipulation I have is that Clyde and Bear not be separated and, depending on when I die, it would be nice if Owen would be able to stay with the boys as well. But, it's in his contract to go back to the breeder, too, so that's probably what would wind up happening. |
| We wrote our will so that if we both die, Winston would go to may father, if my father wasn't able or didn't want to care for him, Winston would then go to my Mother in Law. We don't have children, so we set it up so that our entire estate would be made available for Winston's care. We have a third party, our lawyer, set up to manage the money - so that whoever has Winston doesn't also have control of the money. Finally, when Winston passes - we have the money going to several animal charities.
I do like what SheepieBoss suggested though. My father and my Mother-In-Law are not " large" dog lovers and leaving him with them has always bothered me. |
sneakysheepie wrote: My father and my Mother-In-Law are not " large" dog lovers and leaving him with them has always bothered me.
I know what you mean Stephanie. It has to be somebody who "gets" the whole "the dog is a member of our family" thing. I used to worry about who would get Mopsy but now I just figured I would let Brian and Jack battle it out for Harry. If they are living in the same area - then it will be a no brainer. Honestly, I would give Harry to a person on this forum that I totally trusted and that understood his goofy personality before I would take my chances outside of my boys or my mom and dad. I am listed in my breeder's will for Harry's dad and I have had someone else "hint" to me about taking their dog. I have asked outright to be the one who two different playful dogs are left to - you know who you are -but I think I have to stand in line. They should actually be honored - I don't ask that of everyone. 
I know that Harry would be more spoiled by people on this forum then he would by extended family members. |
Yes, I agree, that chosing the right person to keep them often excludes family members. 
In my case, if I go before my parents, they get the wigglebums. My mother would never forgive me if I let someone else take them. If they go before me, a forum member will get them. And, failing that option, our rescue group will place them together. My cats are going to a rescue group who will place them together as well. |
| I guess I am lucky, either of my kids would be a good choice but my son asked first so he's the one! |
| My sister-in-laws brother-in-law who is an attorney visits us at least once a year...he lives in Florida and his deceased client left a big trust for his cats. They are being cared for in Clyde NC and he has to come and check on their home and make sure they are being well cared for! It was a very large trust and when the cats die the rest will go to animal rescue! |
| This is of special interest to us. Bob & I bought a Jeep Wrangler in March.
We were on our way home from a Dr's. appt. 4 weeks ago. We were run over by a tractor/trailor. We are remarkably well...just aches/pains and bruises. Still doing the PT/MD visits. Just a week prior to the accident we contacted a lawyer to do our will/living will. We had talked about Chauncey but had not specifically left a trust for his care. We meet with the lawyer early next month to go over the draft and we will provide for any & all surviving pets. |
Chauncey wrote: We were on our way home from a Dr's. appt. 4 weeks ago. We were run over by a tractor/trailor.
 Oh my gosh, that's why I haven't seen you on the forum lately! Here I was thinking you were off on a nice vacation. All of our best wishes for fast healing. |
| We are doing well thanks. My neck and hip still hurts, but I'm not complaining too much as witnesses said we should be dead.
Jeep has looked much better though. It was a retirement toy for me and a semi-retirement toy for Bob. |
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Sounds like the semi retired Bob's toy. I'm sorry you are going through this; I am grateful you are mostly OK and I hope your pains go away soon. |
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