And To My Best Friend, Fido, I Leave...
By Jennifer Fischer
From the beginning of time, the reading of a will has been an emotional final “good-bye” from a loved one. Throughout history, people have left fortunes to the people they cared for.
These readings, some historically accurate and some soap opera fiction, have also been the source of additional drama, stress, and fighting.
Perhaps you have given detailed thought to your final wishes, or maybe the very idea of doling out your life’s treasures after your demise makes you shiver. Bring up the topic to your family and they will (hopefully!) say, “Oh, let’s not talk about that. I don’t want anything from you, I just want you around forever,” or express a similar sentiment.
But what is Fido thinking? “Um, who’s gonna put water in my dish? Who’s gonna take me for a walk? Who’s gonna buy me a new squeaky toy every week? Huh? Huh?” You look down at those deep, dark eyes, at that wagging tail, and you realize perhaps you should consider EVERY member of your family.
Last week in Kevin’s Dogs In The News section of The Barking Lot, he mentioned Leona Helmsly’s plan to provide for her pooches after her death. Undoubtedly you read that, shook your head and quipped, “That’s NUTS.” But is it?
You view your dog as a member of the family. You feed him (or her), walk him, bathe him, take him for regular veterinary check-ups. So why would your caring stop if Fido should outlive you?
It may not be something you every really thought about. But the Humane Society of the United States offers tips for providing for your four-legged friend after your death. Even AARP discusses what pet owners should consider when planning their estate.
So whether you have a trusted family attorney draw up your last will and testament, or you are more of a “do-it-yourselfer” perhaps you will give additional consideration to your rawhide-loving friend. Perhaps ol’ Leona wasn’t such a nut after all. --Jennifer Fischer
Time now for
DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.
Are you ready?
We begin with a timely, political question. Will
pet owners choose Obama or McCain?
Here's another question. Which breed of dog is the
most aggressive?And did you see last Sunday's USA WEEKEND section in your Sunday paper? The front page story was all about cats, but
dogs were a major part of the piece.
And finally, dogs were a topic on the
THE VIEW.
We agree, Whoopi.
Here on The Barking Lot, we've touched upon this issue in the past. These are terrific dog walking days. Just remember to please be considerate of others. As they say in Hawaii:
PICK IT UP! PU
