This story begins with a phone call to the shelter at about 7pm, Tuesday evening. A time when all other shelters in the area are closed.
"SPCA, this is Charlie."
"Charlie, this is Linda _____. The next door neighbor's daughter just went in to check on him and she found him dead. They believe he's been that way for about 4 or 5 days and there are three small dogs in there. She says she doesn't want them and wants to call the Humane Society. I told her 'No, they'll put them down. Give me a chance to call Charlie first'... Can you take them?"
"Yeah, Linda, I'll be there in about 1/2 an hour. Ok?"
"That'd be great. I knew you would do something. Thanks Charlie."
"You bet. See you in a few."

This is a scenario we see all too often in animal shelters. That was an actual call, and those are the real dogs involved. Each of them are in new homes now and being loved as if they'd been there forever, but what if we had not been there for Eskimo, Suzie Q, & Junior, they would have gone to the city pound where any chance at even being able to find a new home for them would have never happened and state law says they must only be held for five days before they can be euthanized.
Do you think this is what the old man who died and left them alone had in mind?

Being responsible for our pets means making plans to be sure they are cared for if for any reason we are no longer able to do so. These three little dogs got very lucky that they've come here. At least they will be placed into new homes and families, but even so, the person they knew is gone forever and they will undoubtedly be split up traumatizing them even further and making it still harder for them to each adjust to the new life that awaits them. Very few pets that are suddenly thrown into this situation are so lucky however. Most instead find their way to the Humane Society or a city pound where euthanazia is a probabilty more than a possiblity. A sad fact but true.
What can you do to be sure this does not happen to your loved family companions? You can make provisions in your will for them, but be sure someone in your family know those provisions are there so that the pets are still around long enough for your wishes to be met. You can set up a trust which will help to provide financially for your pets somewhere that agrees to care for them after you are gone. This can also be done in the way of an Estate Planning set up so that part of your estate goes to care for your pets. Or you can buy an inexpensive life insurance policy with the name of the shelter or person who will care for your pets as the beneficiary.
Any of these can make all the difference in how your pets are cared for when you can no longer be there. They can be set-up for very little cost to you and are one of the best possible things you can do with what you do leave behind.
Just like the people and family you leave behind, your pets will continue to love you and miss you. Making things as easy and as good for them as you possibly can is something you do during life. It is also something you need to consider and plan for after death.