It may have been caused by illness or accident, or maybe they had to go to a nursing home or hospice. The pet has lost their person, probably their home and now possibly even their own life. Heartbreaking as it is, most people have no plan or provisions for their furry family member(s). That’s an irresponsible arrangement for the pet, who trusted and loved you unconditionally.
A friend’s sister recently passed away. The home is up for sale. My friend is living there, tying up loose ends and taking care of the dogs. Taking two big dogs (one not so friendly) with her is not an option (she lives in apartment with one 30-pound dog limit). There was no plan in place, because NO ONE plans on getting sick, fired, losing our job or our lives. My friend is devastated with the sudden loss of her sister and getting the home ready for sale. On top of all that stress, my friend is facing gut-wrenching decisions about what to do with what her sister loved most: her dogs. Rescues and shelters are overflowing with bullybreeds/mixes.
This past summer, a dear friend in rescue passed away, after a long battle with cancer. No arrangements had been made for his best friend, whom he loved very much. Can you imagine how confusing it was to be passed around to family members, for over a month?
This dog lost his family, his home, and confidence in knowing what tomorrow might bring. He was finally placed with dear friends, who have known the dog for years. He is loved and very well taken care of. Surely his owner is smiling down from above.
Take a breath – I have a question for YOU. What is the plan for your pet(s)? Did you assume your (fill in the blank: adult children, neighbor, pet sitter, friend) will step up and assume responsibility and care? Well, don’t. I have taken in numerous pets when those trusted people shrugged off their responsibility, left the pets in a vacant home, or dumped them at animal control. In their defense, maybe they never agreed to accept the pet, or the owner didn’t discuss their expectations.
Rescuers and animal advocates get emails, calls and desperate pleas on social media 365/24/7 and beyond. Never entrust your pet’s fate to someone who doesn’t love them as much as you do. Have the talk with your prospective caregiver(s) (from fill in the blank above) within the next 48 hours. Make arrangements, start a file with vet and care info, likes and dislikes, and allot funds to keep your pet in the style they’re accustomed to (in a trust is best). If agreed to, put it all in writing, sign and distribute to family and friends, so your wishes are spelled out. Update your will (get one, if you don’t have one already!!) with these provisions. In exchange for a few brief moments of discomfort, you will gain great peace of mind; knowing that if the unthinkable occurs, your pet won’t end up in a shelter – or worse.
