While posting on blogher, I came across a fascinating piece about a new service to care for your pets (and in four states: horses, camels, llamas and donkeys) after “the Rapture”. The service, Eternal Earthbound Pets has a team of “confirmed atheists” who “will still be here on Earth after you’ve received your reward.” It’s a pretty out-there concept, but it got me thinking, what happens to pets when their owners die? And how does anyone know that dogs won’t be first in line at the Pearly Gates?
This is Midori, a year old spayed female up for adoption
If your parents or loved ones have pets, it’s another chance to talk about what their wishes are. The guidelines according to the Humane Society are very similar to estate planning for humans. They encourage you to set up a trust for the care of your pets, appoint caregivers, and make sure family and neighbors know how many pets you have, who the emergency caregivers are, and their contact information. Here’s a link to a great factsheet they’ve put out.
Don’t you think it would be easier to start “the Conversation” over the future care of a beloved animal?
And if you don’t have a pet? Think about adoption. Midori here is up for adoption at the Humane Society of Knox County, Maine. According to Thive NYC, having and walking a dog will boost your exercise level five-fold. “Dog walking is a lot more rewarding than standing on a treadmill. If treadmills were the answer there wouldn’t be so many of them holding up clothes”. So, which would get you to get up and walk? A large and expensive coat hanger, or man’s best friend?
BIG NEWS: I was just accepted into the Blogging Boomers Carnival, so please be sure to check out BloggingBoomers Carnival #138 being hosted this week at the Boomer Chronicles.
[...] Do Dogs go to Heaven? If something happens to you, find out how to provide for your best friends in this post from It’s All About Aging. [...]
Good work getting people to think about their animals as more than just friendly companions. If they have become part of the family why should’nt they benefit from your estate. They still have to eat.
I was sure to make provisions for Jack and Simon in my will. If they predease me or the other way around I look forward to seeing them at those pearly gates!