Owner Needs Help to Care for Connecticut Pet
I received this plea this weekend from a reader in East haven Connecticut.
"hi, my dog vanessa, a toy australian sheppard, ran out yesterday and got hit by a car. we took her to the er and there they said either we put her to sleep cause we could not afford the cost of care or sign her over to be adopted. we are heartbroken is this okay? how can human beings allow this sort of thing to happen? i can not sleep thinking about her. is there anything we can do?"
Some suggestions from others include:
"Most vets have access to sources of financing for things like this. I hope they have at least given her something for pain while you make a decision. If they will fix her up at no cost to you and then allow her to be adopted, that seems to indicate that they have indigent care available for her.
Your options appear to be:
1. Euthanization
2. Adoption
3. Finding a source of financing
Did they give you an estimate of the cost?
If she's in pain you have to make a decision quickly, for her sake.
Surely there must be something you can sell to raise the funds. Even a payday loan place is better than nothing. Or a car title lending place. Family, friends.
Do let us know how it turns out. And please, make sure she isn't in pain while you decide.
Please urge this individual to make a decision quickly for the sake of the dog. Also, it would help to know what city you and the dog owner are in, in case somebody wants to adopt her. Maybe the dog could be adopted and then purchased back by the original owner when he gets funds together, but only if that would be in the best interest of the dog. Chances are, somebody with a fenced yard and more stable finances could provide a better home, although it's sad to realize that a dog will never forget her original owner."
Any other thoughts out there…please respond.
Florida Veterinarian Proposes Legislation For Loss of Pets
Kenneth Newman, DVM, operates an emergency hospital for animals in St. Petersburg, Florida.
He has also written proposed legislation entitled, Gracie’s Law, to honor Gracie, his deceased Labrador retriever.
Gracie was killed by a negligent driver who crushed Gracie and Dr. Newman between two cars.
The proposed Florida law would allow the owner of a pet that is killed through a deliberate act of malice, or through an act of negligence, to be able to obtain compensation for loss of companionship of the pet and for pain and suffering.
The current law, in almost all jurisdictions, is that pets are still considered to be the personal property of the owner.
If a pet is injured or killed, the owner is only entitled to recover the depreciated value or “cost” of the animal.
Dr. Newman wants that law to reflect the changing attitude of pet owners.
You can visit his site here.
Plan Carefully When You Board Your Pet
As the holiday season begins to gear up, many pet owners will be traveling and face a difficult decision as to the care of their pets.
If you choose to board your pet with a professional organization, you need to understand that sometimes the return home with your pet can be a very unsettling situation for the both of you.
Before you board your pet, you need to follow at least minimal guidelines
Be sure that you have variable references and actually use them.
Interview the boarding facility staff that you plan to use.
Visit the facility unannounced and check the building and the grounds.
How do the pets that are boarded appear in their condition and behavior?
Is the facility clean and relatively odorless?
Is the staff animal friendly?
What requirements are there for the boarded pets, including shots and ID tags?
Do you have a good feel for the place?
Finally, take your pet there and see if they like the facility and the staff.
The decision to board your pet while you are on an extended visit is not an easy one to make, but if you utilize these tips, the decision can be less painful for you and your pets.
Can I leave My Pet To My Veterinarian?
I am trying to begin my estate planning for my pets. I want to have my vet take care of my boxer, Max after I die. Is this a good alternative to preparing a pet trust?
Bob Lewisville, Colorado
Bob, this is an option that is available to you. You can leave Max and enough money for his care to your veterinarian or animal shelter.
However, keep in mind that Max will probably live the rest of his life in a clinic or shelter-like situation
He will not be a part of a family and will not receive the same amount of love and attention that he has found in your home. Carefully weigh these differences before you make your decision for Max.
A Constant Dilemma-How Much is Needed to Fund My Pet Trust?
To determine how much money you will need to fund your pet trust, Gerry W. Beyer, the Governor Preston E. Smith Regents Professor of Law for Texas Tech University, suggests that you consider some of the following issues:
The type of animal
The animal’s life expectancy (especially important in case of long-lived animals)
The standard of living you wish to provide for the animal (including food and grooming
The need for potentially expensive medical treatment
Payment for the caregiver
Whether the trustee is to be paid for his or her services, and
Adequate funds should also be included to provide the animal with proper care, be it an animal-sitter or a professional boarding business, when the caregiver is on vacation, out-of-town on business, receiving care in a hospital, or is otherwise temporarily unable personally to provide for the animal.
This question always arises when discussing pet trusts and never has a simple or easy answer.
How Much Should You Pay A Pet Trustee?
This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with a group of estate planning attorneys and financial advisers in Naples, Florida, to exchange ideas and then to present a seminar on Estate Planning for Animal Owners.
The two main areas of concern were the payment of trustee fees and the amount of money needed to fund the trust.
I discussed the first issue recently in a post.
Unless the trust instrument has some type of specific prohibition, the trustee is entitled to "reasonable compensation" for their services as a trustee.
What is reasonable compensation?
That is a good question and is usually based upon an hourly rate or a percentage fee of the total amount of the trust.
Bank trust departments will customarily charge an annual fee equal to approximately one percent (1%) of the current value of the trust's assets. They may charge a lower fee, but then add on transaction charges for every action.
If the trust instrument provides for specific compensation, you should follow the dictates of that document. If you feel that the compensation provided for in the trust is unreasonable or unduly burdensome, you can either resign as the trustee or petition the court for additional compensation.
The trustee’s fee is normally paid on a quarterly basis. Remember, compensation (but not expense reimbursements) that is received as a trustee, is taxable to the trustee, usually as self-employment income.
Some trustees want to waive the compensation because of their love for the family or animals involved. If you want to do this, make sure that you consult with your accountant about how to document this compensation in the correct manner. Otherwise, you may have taxable income imputed to you even though you do not actually receive it.
The duties and responsibilities of a pet trustee are serious and legally binding. Receiving reasonable compensation for the performance of this role is fair and anticipated.
Labor Day
Today is labor Day.
A celebration of the American worker and their strength, knowledge and perseverance.
Even in these tough times.
Enjoy today with your family and your pets.
Forget your job.
Forget your 401(k).
Forget the economy.
Have a picnic.
Take a hike.
Go to the beach.
Have a bar-b-que.
Enjoy and relax...
Veterinarians Are Cool
Many animal lovers want to take their experiences and attitude toward the next level.
Some believe that the ultimate animal lover is the veterinarian.
Taking care of animals for a living is certainly a lofty and worth goal, but how does one achieve that status.
I am certainly not the authority, but your might start here.
The site is designed for the professional, but leads to a great deal of useful information for professionals and simple pet lovers alike.
Let me know if you find it useful.
