Post by JoAnn on Apr 21, 2004 22:41:35 GMT -2
heaven forbid our houndies out live us??? This is a true story that is unfolding in our club right now. The person who is picking up these babies has written this letter to our entire club. Food for thought.
What would happen to your dogs if you and your loved ones were in a fatal car crash? Or if you were hospitalized and not there to make their dinner?
Do you have a plan for the short and long term well-being of your dogs?
I have to go on Saturday to pick up four dogs for Basset Rescue where a man and his wife both died and left them with no provisions. Two females over seven and their sons who have only known their one home all their lives will now be taken away from it, the males have to be neutered and they will probably all be adopted separately. One dog hasn't left the owners bed all week and I know that what is about to happen will traumatize him even more.
It is a tragic scene and has made me think about where I would want my dogs to end up if something happened to me and what I can do now to make sure my dogs will be ok with any change.
1. Talk with family members about our wishes. Decide who we would like to have our dogs. Base the initial decision on the dogs health, well-being and happiness.
2. Contact those who we would like to take our dogs and find out if they are agreeable to make that commitment for the lifetime of our dogs. Discuss any quirks, eating habits, medical problems, etc. If they are then willing, draw up something in writing and give them a copy, so that when Cousin Beauford comes to claim an estate, that he doesn't take the dogs to Animal Control or sell them for profit.
3. Take the dogs to visit and even stay for a few days at the home of the people they would go to. Make it so that if the dogs had to be taken there to live that they would know the new owners, the property, the routines and feel at home.
4. Have a file folder with puppy photos, AKC registrations, awards and any memorabilia for each dog. Make sure that the person that dog would go to knows where this folder is located in your home.
5. Write the dog's name on any beloved toy or sleeping pillow. So that if old Murphy always sleeps on one certain dog bed that it is easily identifiable as his and will go with him to a new home. Make sure to also note anything like that in your file for Murphy.
6. Let your vet know of your wishes for your dogs. Have them note it in their records. Make sure to put your vets name and phone number into each file along with any comments on medications needed or medical history.
7. Update your records as needed. Check them once a year to make sure everything is accurate. Call your person who would get the dog and make sure they are still ok with the arrangements. Make new arrangements as needed and let all parties know.
8. Have neighbors and friends phone numbers on your person at all times with your ID. Make a sign in your wallet and near your front door that says, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF MY PETS with contact information on the back or underneath.
9. Talk with neighbors and friends about taking care of feeding your dogs in case of problems, etc. and make sure they have phone numbers and contact information that might be needed.
10. And most of all, love your dogs today, give them a big hug and kiss and be grateful for them, for we never know what tomorrow might bring.
What would happen to your dogs if you and your loved ones were in a fatal car crash? Or if you were hospitalized and not there to make their dinner?
Do you have a plan for the short and long term well-being of your dogs?
I have to go on Saturday to pick up four dogs for Basset Rescue where a man and his wife both died and left them with no provisions. Two females over seven and their sons who have only known their one home all their lives will now be taken away from it, the males have to be neutered and they will probably all be adopted separately. One dog hasn't left the owners bed all week and I know that what is about to happen will traumatize him even more.
It is a tragic scene and has made me think about where I would want my dogs to end up if something happened to me and what I can do now to make sure my dogs will be ok with any change.
1. Talk with family members about our wishes. Decide who we would like to have our dogs. Base the initial decision on the dogs health, well-being and happiness.
2. Contact those who we would like to take our dogs and find out if they are agreeable to make that commitment for the lifetime of our dogs. Discuss any quirks, eating habits, medical problems, etc. If they are then willing, draw up something in writing and give them a copy, so that when Cousin Beauford comes to claim an estate, that he doesn't take the dogs to Animal Control or sell them for profit.
3. Take the dogs to visit and even stay for a few days at the home of the people they would go to. Make it so that if the dogs had to be taken there to live that they would know the new owners, the property, the routines and feel at home.
4. Have a file folder with puppy photos, AKC registrations, awards and any memorabilia for each dog. Make sure that the person that dog would go to knows where this folder is located in your home.
5. Write the dog's name on any beloved toy or sleeping pillow. So that if old Murphy always sleeps on one certain dog bed that it is easily identifiable as his and will go with him to a new home. Make sure to also note anything like that in your file for Murphy.
6. Let your vet know of your wishes for your dogs. Have them note it in their records. Make sure to put your vets name and phone number into each file along with any comments on medications needed or medical history.
7. Update your records as needed. Check them once a year to make sure everything is accurate. Call your person who would get the dog and make sure they are still ok with the arrangements. Make new arrangements as needed and let all parties know.
8. Have neighbors and friends phone numbers on your person at all times with your ID. Make a sign in your wallet and near your front door that says, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF MY PETS with contact information on the back or underneath.
9. Talk with neighbors and friends about taking care of feeding your dogs in case of problems, etc. and make sure they have phone numbers and contact information that might be needed.
10. And most of all, love your dogs today, give them a big hug and kiss and be grateful for them, for we never know what tomorrow might bring.
