| If you have pets, from time to time you may | | | | for their well being. |
| wonder what would happen to them in the event | | | | Designating a trusted family member or friend to |
| of your death. Usually those thoughts are quickly | | | | assume the responsibility may be an option if that |
| pushed aside as too painful to think about. The | | | | person is ready, willing, and able to take on such a |
| choices that immediately come to mind are: | | | | responsibility. But what happens if the pet(s) |
| 1. Do nothing and leave their fate up to | | | | outlive this person or if their circumstances |
| providence. | | | | change? |
| 2. Set up a trust to care for them per your | | | | I have heard more than one person state that it |
| specifications. | | | | is their intent to have their pet(s) euthanized in |
| 3. Leave them in the care of a trusted family | | | | the event of their (the owner's) death. Having |
| member or friend. | | | | considered the above-mentioned options and their |
| 4. Have them humanely euthanized and let them | | | | associated pitfalls, they have concluded that this is |
| accompany you to the next world like the | | | | the best way to ensure their pet(s) well being. |
| Pharaohs of old. | | | | However, this option requires finding a vet willing |
| Of course there are pros and cons to each of | | | | to euthanize pets regardless of their age and |
| these options and the choice is further | | | | physical state. You should also know that your |
| complicated depending upon the number, age, and | | | | request may not be legally enforceable. |
| expected life span of your pet(s). | | | | There simply is no "right" or "perfect" choice. In |
| Probably the most common is doing nothing. This | | | | fact the "right" choice may differ from one pet to |
| option places an unfair burden upon the person | | | | another. So what is a caring pet owner to do? As |
| handling your estate. Maybe they'll find a | | | | an animal communicator the most natural option |
| wonderful home. More likely they will end up in a | | | | that comes to mind is: Talk to them about your |
| shelter competing with all the other homeless | | | | concerns and find out if they have a preference. |
| animals, potentially facing euthanasia. Pleas for | | | | You may be surprised at their answers. Animals |
| pets seeking homes after their owner dies are all | | | | view death as simply a transition, as opposed to |
| too common. | | | | humans who mostly fear their inevitable passing. |
| If you are financially able, you may choose to set | | | | Your pet(s) may not want to live without you. |
| up a trust and specify your wishes in your will. (It | | | | How many times have you heard about pets who |
| is important to note that without a will pets are | | | | die shortly after their owners? On the other hand, |
| considered part of the estate and go to next of | | | | your pet(s) may not be finished with this life |
| kin, regardless of your wishes.) In this way you | | | | experience and would prefer to take their |
| can provide for your pet(s) for the remainder of | | | | chances at finding a new, loving home. You'll never |
| their lives. You can specify the exact care they | | | | know if you don't ask. Plus you'll have the peace |
| are to be given. There is still no guarantee that | | | | of mind of knowing that your pet(s) were |
| they will thrive without you, but at least you will | | | | included in the decision-making process. |
| have done everything in your power to provide | | | | |