Say we die, what next?

Bromley86

Just wondering how responsible everyone is here. As I've only just thought about it, I'll put myself in the utterly irresponsible category.

Are your dogs (or cats, etc.) in your will (not as beneficiaries, as chattel)? Do you have unofficial instructions with friends/family? Or, like us, none of the above?

What are the odds of a happy ending for two dogs that have always been together if family/friends can't take them? Probably depends on the age; I'd imagine it'd be easier when they're 5 & 3 than when they're 10 & 8.

Person_one

Mine would go to my parents, informal agreement.

If it makes you feel better I rehomed them as a bonded pair aged 6 and 7, some people specifically want two together. I like to think they've had a happy ending!

SailorSam

Just put me in the wheelie bin on the Sunday night.
On a serious note i've been thinking of changing my will so that more would go to charity, but i'm put off some of the bigger charities 'cos so much seems to be creamed off with commissions and high salaries.

scrabbles_2

My family would make sure my cat would be loved, cared for and rehomed within the family. It's slightly morbid but we have all had that conversation, because my dad and his partner got a kitten last year. They are in their early sixties so much as nobody likes to think that way, their cat may outlive them. We all understand how much our respective pets mean to us, so it was quite natural to have this talk.

con1888

Through my family, all animal lovers and range from my grandparents to my nephew of 9 months so someone will take them for sure.

The rescue I help with has just taken in two older GSDs, their owner died, he was actually on the rescue comittee but he had no family who could keep them so they are being homed with one of our volunteers.

zaksmum

I've put it in my will, that my family, of course, inherit everything provided they take my dogs and look after them for the rest of their lives.

aliasojo

It's not something I've thought of tbh but any of the 'kids' would take mutt without doubt so it wouldn't be an issue for us.

krlyr

If you become a member of the Dogs Trust, one of the membership perks is a guarantee that the Dogs Trust will take care of your dog in the event of your death. Maybe not as good as a promise from family but they do promise not to put a healthy dog down and it may at least give your dog a chance at finding a new home. Not sure if it is something I'd choose but could help if there were no friends or family available to take responsibility.
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/giving/membership/default.aspx#.UF2LY1H3tes

Deep_In_Debt

One of the beneficiaries in my will is an animal charity so I have an agreement with them that they will take on any pets I have and re home them if possible.

Sagz_2

Bromley86 wrote: »

What are the odds of a happy ending for two dogs that have always been together if family/friends can't take them? Probably depends on the age; I'd imagine it'd be easier when they're 5 & 3 than when they're 10 & 8.

Having worked in rescue I can tell you that most would work their hardest to place a pair of dogs together, but if no home could be found after a couple of months then they may have to be split up (I only had to split up a few pairs and always made sure the dogs involved could cope without each other before the final split). As for age, older pairs are easier to home as long as Vet bills are covered.

My own pets would be cared for by my OH, but if he wasn't around then they would go back to the rescues they came from. I think having worked in rescue for so long I'm happy knowing the care they get and that they would be placed in the best home for their needs.

Fire_Fox

All my immediate relatives and close friends are unsuitable flats and/ or have cats of their own and/ or don't like cats and/ or travel loads!! Noah was in my will to go back to the rescue he was adopted from obviously with a legacy. That branch is closed and Noah was PTS last year so I am not sorted for Lulu, my will needs updating anyway. Several charities have schemes whereby older folks can sign up ahead of time to ensure their pets are taken care of if they pass away.