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  Discussion on Who will care for your critters after you?
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Posted on Monday, Nov 26, 2001 - 5:51 pm:

Do you have a plan for your animals should you depart this life first? Grusome topic, but well worth thinking about.

Look at your friends, spouse, breed rescue groups, etc. and make a plan if the unthinkable should happen. Put it in writing and leave it with your executor, significant other, Mom, Dad, the friends who are involved. If you are asking a rescue organization to step in, leave them some money and make yearly "retainer" contributions so they aren't surprised.

Things to consider are who will take care of your critter? Should you leave them some money to do so? Will you allow them to place the animal in a permanent home? Do they know what they need to know - diet, health, vet, routine, toys, words ....

I know this is a sad subject, but I recently was called in for a lady my age (middle!) who died suddenly and left two wonderful doggies. Her sister wanted all of her things, but did not want the dogs ... at least she contacted rescue instead of dumping them at the pound.

Their ending turned out happy - each was placed (not together) in a loving home.

I know it is a sad topic, but it will help you rest easier at night, knowing you looked out for your critters' well being, too.

Posted on Monday, Nov 26, 2001 - 6:29 pm:

It is an important topic indeed, It is something that has worried me from time to time.
I was overjoyed a few months back when my best friend offered to take my two closest pets a dog and a horse & maybe the horses baby if she grew out of her destructive streek which she has done. it was offered without me asking and it has left me happier that those who would miss my attention the most would be with her and her super loving ways with animals.

Posted on Monday, Nov 26, 2001 - 7:24 pm:

I had never thought of this issue before last week when one of our boarders asked me if I would object to taking ownership of her horse if anything would ever happen to her. I was slightly shocked, but very honored (I am very fond of her horse). She wanted to make sure it would be OK before she had her will updated. I really appreciate that she talked to me first before taking action. I felt it was a very big compliment that she would want me to have the horse.

Posted on Wednesday, Nov 28, 2001 - 6:33 pm:

it IS an honor! but! a huge responsibility..

just this summer my gal friend went to her sons for her final days... she left me her 1/4 mare...it was discussed several years earlier, what if? she had breast cancer then,..now its lung cancer.. anyway.. what i am saying is really think this through if you are asked... becus it could happen..

this mare is sweet, but does not fit into my breeding/show interests... she uses a stall that i could use otherwise, she uses a pasture that i could use otherwise....not to mention the special needs of her diet and shoes...$$$!$$

don't get me wrong i would do it again tomorrow as i KNOW it gives my friend peace of mind now.. but IT IS A COSTLY RESPONSIBILITY...!~

i have yet to figure out who i am going to ask.. but this has been on my mind now for sometime..

dres

Posted on Thursday, Nov 29, 2001 - 9:52 pm:

I have been lurking as a member for close to a year now and after reading the discussions on this and Julie's beloved Amethyst I am moved to finally pick up my "pen." Soon I'll be littering the joint with all sorts of questions. Human and horse death are always hard, obviously, but planning can ameliorate worries and grieving. If you are asking someone to look after your horses or other animals for you should you die, fall ill, or move, please don't put your friend/family member on the financial spot without providing them with some sort of monetary support for the horse/animal and outlining the conditions under which they should feel guilt-free to sell, give or, god-forbid, euthanize the horse or other animal. And this reminds me, I should do this too.

Posted on Friday, Nov 30, 2001 - 1:52 pm:

Hi, Fiona
Wecome into view! Good points you've made. Also, I read your profile - very nice :)
Sharon

Posted on Tuesday, Dec 4, 2001 - 1:20 pm:

I set up a trust fund for my horse, who receives the proceeds of my life insurance. I upped my life insurance to cover his expenses for the rest of his life. My mother controlled the money and my barn friend was his nanny. I wrote up a set of instructions for him, what he eats, his shoeing, worming, when to blanket, etc. etc. for my barn friend and she was to send all of the bills to my mother for payment. May seem extreme to lots of folks, but it helped me sleep at night knowing he will always be loved and cared for.

Joni

Posted on Monday, Dec 10, 2001 - 3:32 pm:

Joni, how did you go about setting up a trust fund for a horse? Also, did you actually list your horse as a beneficiary for your life insurance? And, one last question, if I were to write up my own will leaving my assets to my horse or a trust of some and had it notorized would it be valid? Sorry for all of the questions, but I am only 30 and have not thought much about this other then telling my mother that if I die, my fiance gets my horse!

Thanks,
Marci

Posted on Wednesday, Dec 12, 2001 - 11:59 am:

Marci -

Yes, I listed my horse (in care of my mother) as my life insurance beneficiary. I went to an attorney and to actually set up a trust fund account costs upwards of $1200. Plus, when you actually start using it, some of the money is skimmed off the top for managing the account (i.e., if they have to visit the farm to make sure the horse is still there... writing the checks to cover the bills).

I don't know if what I did would hold up in court, but my instructions to my mother and his nanny (who would tend to him when I am gone) were clear and in writing. I guess it was alot of a trust thing with both parties.

But as far as I was willing to invest $ (and not pay the attorney) it helped to put my mind at ease.

Hope it helps,
Joni

Posted on Thursday, Dec 13, 2001 - 6:39 am:

Hi, I've been reading this thread with interest. I've recently considered modifying my will with clear instructions about my babies. The group I board with has discussed this and we know who would get each horse, dog, cat in a specific situation and we all agree but nothing is in writing. And our informal agreements do not take into consideration spouses, children, parents, significant others. In my case, my spouse would want nothing to do with the horses but would likely want the dog. The farm manager would definitely take one of the geldings but the other would be a financial burden due to ongoing medical issues. It is a tough decision but I think I would prefer to have him put down if I were gone. Just some rambling thoughts on my part here. Thanks to everyone who has contributed - you've definitely moved me closer to making sure my guys are all accounted for and in the right hands if something should happen to me. Do parents of children put this much thought into the care of the kids in the event of a tragedy? Jessie
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