In these last few Newsletters, I have been attempting to emphasize the
importance of taking control and planning. As women, we do it in our
every day lives; it is in our collective nature to nurture and plan. I have been encouraging all of you to plan not only for yourselves in the event of an illness or your death, but also for your children. It is so important to take control today and plan for your care when you are ill and for the care of your children and the assets you leave them after you pass. Why should it be any different when it comes to planning for your pets? Our pets become part of the family from the very second we lay eyes on them. We take them to the doctor for regular check ups and especially when they are sick. We praise and love them extra when they behave well and reprimand them when they are not so well behaved. If you are like me, you may have gone as far as sleeping on the floor next to them after surgery just in case they needed us!
We care and nurture our pets in the same loving way we would our "other" children. One of the most selfless acts of love is to have a plan in place that will provide for the care of your pets in the same way they would be cared for if you were able to do it yourself.
Pet Protection Agreement™
This is a patent pending document created by an attorney. It was designed to provide detailed care for your pet in the event you become incapacitated and remains in effect after you pass away.
To date, the more traditional methods of planning for pets has been via a Last Will and Testament and a Pet Trust. The down side to putting instructions in a Last Will and Testament is that it only takes affect when you die; it does not provide for when your pet needs care while you are still alive. The down side to a Pet Trust is that it gets rather expensive because of the statutory details that are required to be included and for the attorney's time in preparing the document.
Having said that, both of these methods are still options, but the Pet Protection Agreement does not require me as an attorney to complete it for you; is easy to understand; just as thorough as a Pet Trust; is valid while you are alive as well as after you pass away and much more cost effective (this might be the best part!!)
Some examples of information that can be included in a Pet Protection Agreement are:
- details regarding care; (including: diet, daily routine, medications, favorite toy and where you take your walks);
- the name of the caregiver you choose to care for your pet (called the Pet Guardian)
- the name and location of your pet's veterinarian;
- how you want your pet's life to be lived.
You put so much love, care and passion into your pet's life, why shouldn't that type of care your pet has become used to during your life together, continue
in your absence? Don't take the chance that your pet may end up in a facility where his life may potentially be ended. A Pet Protection Agreement is a simple, comprehensive and very affordable way to continue to show your pet your love when you cannot be there to do it yourself!
Please feel free to call me to discuss the options available for protecting the life and future of your pet...whether it be a dog, a cat, a bird, a rabbit, a horse or whatever your love is!
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