Do You Have Language For A Pet Living Will?
I have read before about your thoughts on a living will for pets. If I have one prepared for my cat, Mrs. Longbeard ( a long story) do you have any suggested language.
Donna Sue Batesville, Indiana
Donna, obviously you are going to have your attorney prepared this document and he or she will have the necessary knowledge for a living will.
However, in general terms, language such as this should suffice:
...Representative is to provide any needed reasonable veterinary care that my animal may need at that time to restore the animal to generally good health and to alleviate suffering, if possible. Any animal(s) not in generally good health or who is so suffering—and whose care is beyond the capabilities of veterinary medicine, reasonably employed, to restore to generally good health or to alleviate suffering—shall be euthanized, cremated, and the ashes disposed of at the discretion of…
I hope that you will not need to use this document for many years to come.
What Happens if My Pet Trust Runs Out of Money?
What happens if I set up a pet trust and the trust runs out of property before my parrot, Pedro dies?
Pepe Estero, Florida
Pepe, if there is no money, assets or property remaining in the trust, obviously the trustee will not be able to pay for Pedro’s care. The trustee is not responsible and not likely to pay for Pedro out of his or her own pocket.
Depending upon the circumstances and the relationship involved, the caregiver may continue to pay for Pedro' care with his or her own funds.
In case the caregiver is unwilling or unable to do so, you should have a clause in your pet trust that states the name of the person or organization to which you would like to donate your pet.
The last thing that you would want, is that for lack of proper planning, Pedro ends up in a shelter where he might be euthanized.
Why Do I Need a Pet Trust?
Why do I need a pet trust? I assume that my sister will take care of my dog Ginger, when I die. My sister, Valerie always plays with Ginger when she comes to visit and they seem to get along well.
Betsy Bonita Springs, Florida
Betsy, many people assume that when they die their family or close friends will simply take in their pets and take care of them.
Unfortunately, the facts do not bear out this assumption.
Each year from four to six million pets are euthanized because they cannot be placed with a caring family or individual. Although there are no hard statistics, it is generally presumed that owners abandoned a great majority of the pets when they died.
A little estate planning for your pet, whether formal or not, can eliminate some of these numbers.
At least you need to talk to Valerie to see if see will assume the responsibilities for Ginger, if it becomes necessary.
How Much Money Is Needed To Fund My Pet Trust?
How much money do I need to fund my pet trust?
This is a common question that I am asked by animal owners, and the answer, of course, is a vital part of setting up a pet trust.
In order to adequately fund the trust, you need to know how much it will cost to take care of your pet and for how many years the cost will continue.
Petfinder.com recently published a good article with a chart from Stephen Zawistowski, Ph.D., the Sr. VP Animal Sciences, ASPCA, of the estimated yearly costs of pet ownership.
Although, I believe that some of the costs projected are very low (for example, he sets the cost of food for a small dog at only $150.00 per year) I believe that it is a good starting point for your review of needed costs and categories for your planning.
Go here, and check out the entire chart.
New Cancer Drug Available For Your Dog
This is a follow-up post regarding pets that are currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
I just recently became aware of a new drug that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is the first drug developed specifically for the treatment of cancer in dogs.
According to the FDA news release, the drug, Palladia (toceranib phosphate)
"… is approved to treat canine cutaneous (skin-based) mast cell tumors, a type of cancer responsible for about 1 out of 5 cases of canine skin tumors. The drug is approved to treat the tumors with or without regional lymph node involvement...
... All cancer drugs now used in veterinary medicine originally were developed for use in humans and are not approved for use in animals. Cancer treatments used in animals are used in an “extra-label” manner as allowed by the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act of 1994.
...Palladia is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and works in two ways: by killing tumor cells and by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor. In a clinical trial, Palladia showed a statistically significant difference in tumor shrinkage when compared with an inactive substance (placebo)."
Obviously, you need to discuss this new drug with your Vet to determine if this drug can help your inflicted dog.
For more information go here.
Help Available for Pets With Cancer
Danny,
I came across your comments today after finding out that our dog has cancer in her lymph nodes from a previous bout of anal gland cancer. She is old with many other medical issues, so our concern at this point is getting her through this final assault as comfortably as is possible. I am looking forward to further information that you might be sharing while looking for a vet who might be able to become involved in this process.
Cheryl Plainfield, Illinois
Cheryl, I am sorry for you and your dog.
I have included some information from another dog lover who responded to a similar question.
..."There's a fantastic Yahoo! support and information exchange group, "bonecancerdogs" that is a great support and information-sharing network. The moderator has to approve your membership, but that usually happens the same day. I think anyone (member or not) can view the files, database, and archives. That group has started a website at www.bonecancerdogs.org that is loaded with information.
One thing, no matter what you decide: the pain of bone cancer is horrendous. It can change your dog's personality. If you see your dog is suffering consistently, do the kindest thing and let her go peacefully. It's very hard, but stay with her if you can. It's the ultimate comfort to have you there..."
Jan Matthew Tamanini
Hopefully, this will provide some useful information for you and give direction to the resolution of this terible situation.
A Final Thought on Pet Hospice Care
One additional note on the issue of hospice care for pets must include a mention of The Nikki Hospice Foundation for Pets.
With its corporate headquarters in California, this non-profit organization is a wealth of information and guidelines of hospice care for animals.
The Foundation…” is dedicated to providing veterinary hospice care to terminally ill and dying pets in the comfort of their own homes and subscribes to a philosophy that addresses--very much like that espoused in human hospice programs--the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of these pets and of the people who love them…”
According to their guidelines, …”the use of veterinary hospice care is to be considered as constituting good veterinary medicine in that it allows for a “good death” for the pet and consequently, “good” grieving for the client. This service must be offered in the context of a valid veterinarian/client/patient relationship, and it is recommended that appropriate client consent be obtained for all facets of veterinary hospice care.”
Go to their site here and you will find extensive research and information on hospice care for animals and how it can positively affect you and your pets.
This is another important step in estate planning for your pets.
Pawspice is One Form Of Pet Hospice Care
In a movement lead generally by veterinarians, more and more pet owners are learning about and using hospice care for their dying pets.
One example of hospice care for animals is pawspice.
According to Alice Villalobos, DVM, “the pawspice program provides comfort care for both the family and the patient. Pawspice provides clients with end-of-life care and staff with a protocol that validates a mutual willingness to endure its special purpose…”
According to the website Veterinary Practice News, they have developed a guideline or sorts to …”help clients determine for themselves when a pawspice plan is good for the pet or when it is time to make the final call for euthanasia…”
The vets use a HHHHMM Quality of Life (Q of L) Scale to measure seven special parameters. The acronym stands for Hurt, Hydration, Hunger, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility and More good days than bad days. Each parameter is measured from zero to 10. Evaluate each parameter and try to alleviate each problem by at least 30 percent to 50 percent.
This scale is to help the pet owners monitor their terminal pets on a daily basis.
Go to their site here and read further information on the pawspice plan and see if it is something that you need to discuss with your family and your vet.
Hospice Care For Pets Is Now Available
I have often discussed the issue of euthanasia and your pets.
Unfortunately, many companion animals are euthanized every year when they are abandoned, lost or otherwise separated from their owners.
In addition, some pet owners chose euthanasia when their pets incur life threatening injuries or diseases.
However, now many pet owners are now opting for another choice; that of hospice care for their pets.
In a movement lead generally by veterinarians, more and more pet owners are learning about and using hospice care for their dying pets.
Veterinarians can provide many different comfort techniques to be used in the home where both the family and the pet are more familiar with their surroundings and also subscribe pain lessening drugs or medications for the animals in their final days.
We will review some of the professional hospice care facilities that may be available for you and your pets in the next couple of days to give you some background information on this phenomenon.
Give Dogster.com a Look
I am always on the lookout for websites for animals.
Some are more commercial than others and all that I mention are without an endorsement of any kind.
Dogster.com appears to be a combination of information and commercialism for all thing dogs.
Nevertheless, it does have a feature that is worth viewing. You may place your zip code into a search file and look for the following items found in your own neighborhood.
Healthcare
• Veterinarians & Specialists
• Emergency Services
Pet Services
• Walkers
• Sitters
• Daycare
• Groomers & Spas
• Boarding & Kennels
• Training & Obedience
• Photography
• Dog Waste Removal
Newspapers Pet-Friendly Businesses
• Restaurants & Cafes
• Bars & Nightlife
• Pet-Friendly Stores
Pet-Friendly Travel
• Hotels
• Vacation Rentals
• Resorts & Spas
• Ski Resorts
• Theme Parks
Welfare
• Animal Shelters
• Rescue Organizations
Pet Stores
• General Pet Stores
• Pet Boutiques
• Neighborhood Stores
• Feed Stores
Recreation
• Dog Parks & Dog Runs
• Campgrounds
• Beaches
Visit their site and give it a try.
You just might find some useful new information.
Alternatives to Individual Caregivers in a Pet Trust
I want to provide for my three cats upon my death, but I have no friends or relatives that I can be comfortable to nominate as a caregiver. Any suggestions?
Andy Scottsburg, Indiana
Andy, I am pleased that you are taking the time to plan for the care of your cats after you can no longer do so.
The first obvious choice is a local humane society.
You can meet with the officials and view the physical surroundings to see if you approve. Is the facility too large or too crowded? Will you cats be caged for extended periods of time or are there free roaming areas available? What is the ratio of employees/volunteers to the number of animals? Does the society require a minimum amount of monetary donation to care for your cats? Is there an active adoption program available?
If the local humane society does not meet your standards; you can contact local non-profit animal protection groups, private sanctuaries or university veternarian programs.
There are viable alternatives to individual caregivers.
Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday
The Holiday weekend has once again arrived.
Many of us will spend our time outside at the beach, with picnics, attending ballgames and enjoying our local, state and national parks.
Many of our pets will join us in these various activities.
It is up to you to protect them and keep them out of harm’s way as this holiday brings different types of dangers.
Susan NC Price of the Chicago Pets Examiner writes:
..."Picnics pose other dangers, primarily through the availability of foods—and alcohol—that can sicken or even kill your pets..But the presence of lots of people around your house or yard can also pose tripping-over and stepping-on dangers for non-caged pets. You may want to consider shutting your dogs or cats away for their own safety, especially if you can’t trust your friends not to feed your pets unsuitable treats..."
Ms. Price offers other excellent tips and advice in her story and you can read it here.
Enjoy the weekend and your holiday, safely with your family and your pets.
Anti-Stalking Statute Can Include Domestic Animals
I recently heard that animals might be included in some laws outlawing stalking. Can this possibly be true?
Jeff San Diego, California
Jeff, there are a handful of states that do include domestic animals and livestock in their respective stalking statute.
Missouri, for example, has the following definition:
Crime of stalking--definitions--penalties.
565.225. 1. As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:
...(2) "Credible threat", a threat communicated with the intent to cause the person who is the target of the threat to reasonably fear for his or her safety, or the safety of his or her family, or household members or domestic animals or livestock as defined in section 276.606, RSMo, kept at such person's residence or on such person's property. The threat must be against the life of, or a threat to cause physical injury to, or the kidnapping of, the person, the person's family, or the person's household members or domestic animals or livestock as defined in section 276.606, RSMo, kept at such person's residence or on such person's property; …
This statute was enacted in 2008 and I believe that it was the first of it’s kind in the United States.
