Issue link: https://imageup.uberflip.com/i/669178
FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2016 15 By Teri DiMarino-Davidson I like to think that most of us in Four Seasons have made arrangements for our estates. We have our wills and our trusts and are taking care of our finances, property and personal possessions. But how many of us have made arrangements for the care and well-being of our pets once we are no longer here or able to care for them? Our furry companions are often an afterthought and this can lead to some big issues as to what happens to them in the event of emergency situations. Naming a caretaker for your pet is very important. It will give you the peace of mind in knowing your pet will be cared for after you have left this world and give your pet a secure place to live the remainder of their days. Many people assume that a good-hearted friend or relative will gladly take on our cats or dogs, but this may not always be the case. Suddenly taking on a new pet, especially long term, can be very stressful and doesn't always work out, especially if the named caretaker is elderly, in poor health themselves or has other pets that may not mesh with a newcomer. It is always best to discuss this with the person you choose to provide for your pet well ahead of time, as this can be a huge physical and financial responsibility, especially if the pet is aging or in need of special health care. It would be in good order to offer some financial remuneration to ease any fiscal burden that may accompany the pet. Because we don't have these wonderful pets for as long as we would like, it's a good idea to revisit this portion of your will or trust often and make any changes in the pets you have and the people you have chosen as their caretakers. Which brings me to another related subject. Do you have someone who knows your dogs and cats who could step in at a moment's notice and care for them should you, for one reason or another, become unavailable? God forbid you have an accident or a health issue and are in the hospital, unable to communicate your pet's needs. I have formatted a card (below) to be kept in your wallet, right by your driver's license. It is a self-explanatory card that states: "My pet is home alone. In case of an emergency, please call…." Please cut this out and fill in the spaces with the names and phone numbers of your pet caretakers. Make sure they are friends or relatives that know your pets, have a key to your home and are familiar with your pets feeding and exercise routine A little pre- planning can save you a lot of worry later on. Who Will Care For Your Pet?