- May 6, 2024
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Robby's first owner died, so the cat spent four months in a shelter until his new owner, my daughter came along. He's lucky because he has "grandparents" that would take him, but please don't tell my daughter! Photo by Kelley Estes
Missy, 33198908, is an 8-year-old Female domestic short haired cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Ginger,16866481,is a 6-year-old Female domestic short haired cat, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Lacy, 32014347, is a 3-year-old female terrier mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
Todd,33083883, is a 5-year-old male shepherd mix, available at Flagler Humane Society. Courtesy photo
On June 25, 2014 my daughter, Kelley, adopted a cat from the Animal Rescue League of Boston.
Robby came into the rescue in March 2014 after his owner passed away. Obviously no one was able or willing to take the cat.
Every shelter has animals who are there because their owner has died or had to move into an assisted living that doesn’t allow pets. The animals don’t know why they are alone in a strange place. In cases like Robby’s, the older cats don’t generally get snapped up quickly. Robby was at the rescue for four months before my daughter adopted him, virtually sight unseen.
Kelley was intrigued by the cat that wouldn’t come out of the kitty condo, except to dart out when treats were offered and then dart back in, so she adopted him and took him home in a pet carrier on wheels, like the luggage we all pull through airports, except this was designed for pets. Living in the city she relies on mass transportation, i.e. the “T” (subway). From what I have heard this was not a quiet trip.
Robby has issues. Primarily he bites my daughter’s face if she sleeps too soundly or too long. This brings the question up, “How long was he in the house with his dead owner?” She doesn’t even know if perhaps there was another cat and someone wanted it but not Robby. He doesn’t like it when she works long hours, and he hides food around the apartment.
There are lots of animals like Robby in shelters across the country. While most of us outlive our dogs and cats, there are some parrots that can live 50 to 75 years. Birds are another perfect example of the importance of having a legal guardian in place for them in the event you are unable to provide their care. Parrots need a guardian that has experience with large birds.
Forty-nine of the 50 States and the District of Columbia recognize Pet Trusts. The only one that doesn’t at this time is Minnesota. The provisions vary between the States and your lawyer would be the best one to advise you on what to do.
A pet trust is a legal document, often part of a will, that provides for the care and maintenance of one or more pets in the event the owner becomes unable to take care of the pet. In most cases the trustee had funds “in trust” to continue to provide food and veterinary care.
When creating a pet trust, the ASPCA recommends:
Pet trusts ensure your pet is cared for and decrease the chances they will end up in a shelter. Robby was lucky – someone with patience was willing to give him a second chance at a loving home.
