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Conference misery::feline

Title:Meower Power - Where Differing Opinions are Respected
Notice:purrrrr...
Moderator:JULIET::CORDES_JA
Created:Wed Nov 13 1991
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1079
Total number of notes:28858

758.0. "When WE die...." by STOWOA::FALLON (Moonsta Cattery) Thu May 12 1994 10:23

    Having just read Nat's note about the two Birmans up for adoption, I
    felt compelled to write this.  It is something I have thought about for
    a long time.
    
    When we die who will care for the cats?  What if it is suddenly and not
    from "old age"?  Does anyone know what your wishes are and do they even
    care?  Who will provide the money for food and care?
    
    As much as we love our animals, those that get to the house first may
    not or just be indifferent.  Many times these animals are placed in
    shelters, or given over to anyone that will take them in.  This is not
    always the best situation.
    
    I have an example from a friend of mine.  She has written this in her
    will and has also asked the designee if it is okay.  She has also set
    up a fund for the cost of the care of these animals.  It is unfair to
    expect someone kind enough to take in the animal, to also pay for the
    medical and food bills etc.
    
    It is also a good thing to let the people know about this that you
    would expect to show up at your house right after death.  ie: best
    friends, parents, children.  Make sure they understand your wishes and
    agree to what you have asked.
    
    I hope this gets some of you to thinking.  Of course I have not
    followed through completely either.  I have discussed it with a friend
    who knows what to do, but it isn't enough.
    Regards,
    Karen
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758.1MROA::DJANCAITISwater from the moonThu May 12 1994 10:289
    When I did my will last year, I specified that the animals (whoever's
    still around at the time, both cats and dogs) go into the care of
    a specific individual who loves them as much as I do - it's up to
    her discretion whether she can "manage" to keep them all or find good
    home(s) for them - 'course the other proviso is whether or not my
    son is old enough to take some/all - G*D willing, he'll be around
    when I'm gone and he'll continue to love 'em all for me.....


758.2STOWOA::FALLONMoonsta CatteryThu May 12 1994 10:327
    Deb,
    Have you asked this person already?  If so that is good.
    I have found through difficulties dealing with my grandmother, that in
    certain circumstances the will isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Also
    for other people, When does the will get produced?  A week, a month?
    The animals need attention immediately.
    Karen
758.3That's why we are Kitty Parents...AIMHI::SPINGLERThu May 12 1994 11:2020
    
    Yeah, we have made a provision in our will also for what ever animals
    we have to go to a designated "foster parant".  The foster parents know
    who they are and we have set up a trust for lifetime care and
    maintenance.  (Our lawyer suggested this proviso on any trust fund,
    that the residue, (what ever is left over after the last animal is
    gone,) be donated to an animal charity.)
    
    Of course that is in the awful event that we both die at the same time. 
    Pet custody is awarded to the surviving spouse.
    
    It is an important point that someone knows about whare your pets are
    and can get access to them when you go on vacation etc. so that the
    pets don't suffer any neglect in an unforseen problem.  Even a delay in
    returning from a vacation or long weekend.  Have some one you trust be
    responsible for your pets if you can not be.
    
    Feline prepared,
    
    Sue & (Daddie) Jerry too.
758.4JULIET::CORDES_JAFour Tigers on my CouchThu May 12 1994 11:5918
    I don't have a formal will but I do have a verbal agreement with 
    Jo to be the person who places my cats in loving homes should 
    something happen to me.  Jaci (my other sister) and Mom both know
    that Jo is the person taking that responsibility for me.  They also
    know that I do not want my cats placed in a shelter.  
    
    I've made a point of mentioning my wishes to the person I'm currently 
    dating and telling him that Jo is in charge of the cats futures so that 
    base is covered in the event that person is the first to know what 
    happened to me.  There are at least 3 people with keys to my apartment 
    too so that someone will be able to get in quickly if needed.
    
    One of these days I'm going to see about making a real will.  I'll 
    probably try one of those computer programs that helps you make you
    own will before I go to a lawyer to have one drawn up though.
    
    Jan
    
758.5MROA::DJANCAITISwater from the moonThu May 12 1994 13:3011
  re : .2 - yes, the other person knows, agrees and has access to my home
  in the event anything happens to me - as far as when, there's a copy of
  my will at home, this person knows where it is and can access it
  immediately, should anyone question what she's doing before the "official"
  finalization of the "estate" (and I use the term **loosely** !!).....

  for both my will and my trust (for my son), the people responsible all
  know what is in it and have copies for their safe-keeping.....now it's
  just a case of updating if/when circumstances change.................


758.6went through thisASABET::TRUMPOLTLiz Trumpolt - 223-7195, MSO2-2/F3Tue May 17 1994 14:1313
    My brother's and I went through this same thing 2 years ago when my
    parents died 6 weeks apart.  They had a cat and neither my youngest
    brother or I could take her due to other pets so my oldest brother who
    already had 2 cats took my parents cat and also took her when he moved
    to North Carolina and then when he moved back to Mass he left her down
    there with a woman that fell in love with the cat and now she has a
    good home.
    
    As for my cat Blackie I guess if he is still around when my husband and
    I die I guess I will put it in my will to have someoen I know care for
    him.
    
    Liz