Photo by pinkparakeets

This weekend I found myself immersed in an interesting conversation about life and how the only thing we really know for sure is that it is unexpected. My friend and I agreed that we should be making the most of every moment, because you never know when your last may arrive. One thing led to another and my friend said something to the effect of that if anything were to happen to her, “of course [her] mother would take care of Murray [her four-year-old french bulldog].”

While it’s perfectly natural to assume that our family would adopt our pets if anything were to happen to us, assumptions are not enough. People change their minds, pets develop medical conditions, families move and change themselves, thus putting your pet’s care in potential jeopardy if you are no longer around. I myself am guilty of assuming that my family will take in Rory were I to be hit by a bus tomorrow — yet we don’t have any such agreement in writing anywhere.

According to an article in The Globe and Mail this past summer, more and more pet parents are meeting with lawyers to write pet provisions into their wills. I like to nickname such amendments as “The DogMother” or “DogFather” agreement, essentially assigning ‘doggie godparents’ who will become your pet’s official guardians should something terrible happen. But is that enough?

The Globe and Mail discovered that pet guardianship was not the only factor for these considerations. Popular provisions are now including trust funds for pets to help new guardians cover the financial cost of caring for a pet. Lawyers mentioned in the piece also recommend that pet parents talk about what pet care entails with potential future guardians to help ensure that your pet goes to the best home possible and is not rehomed time and time again.

I for one will be resolving this gross gap in my pet care plan as soon as possible. Are you and your pet prepared for the unexpected?

Let’s begin this week by doing our best to help save a life. This is Charlotte, an adorable little girl who was given up by her owner because she apparently ‘took up too much time.’ Full of affection and happiness, Charlotte is patiently waiting for her forever home. Please take a moment to share this link with her story and help her find a loving family.
 
STORY: Charlotte was surrendered to a Quebec shelter because her owner didn’t have time for her — whatever that means. Due to her age, the shelter felt she would do best in a rescue, so she came to Hopeful Hearts only days later.

FAVE SNACK: Chicken! Charlotte opens her mouth like a baby bird waiting for a worm from its mother whenever there is chicken being doled out!

FAVE GAME: Is sleeping a game? Wait – do mind games count? We play “chase Charlotte” when it’s time to go out for a pee – she’d rather eat first and pee later, but those are not the rules. She runs to her dog bed, where I “catch” her, pick her up and bring her outside. After a pee she bee-lines back into the kitchen looking for food!

BIGGEST FEAR: Charlotte has not demonstrated fear in many situations, but she definitely is not comfortable around big playful dogs at the dog park who might step on her!

FUNNIEST QUIRK: Scratch her back just above her tail and she gets her tongue going – it’s full body action as she enjoys a good scratching!

CATCH PHRASE: Food? No seriously — food?

If you would like to learn more about sweet little Charlotte or any other dogs in Hopeful Hearts’ care, please email [email protected]. Don’t forget to say hi to last week’s Dog in Need!

Do you love uber cool dog stuff? Then you simply MUST pay a visit to The Growler, a creative online boutique that specializes in vintage collectibles and limited edition artwork all centered around our woofy friends! The shop is bursting with all sorts of one-of-a-kind items and will have you ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ after every click!

These stylish Gerrard Gethings prints will take your breath away — literally! Each image is hand-printed onto archival paper and the fine folks at The Growler will provide the photographer’s certificate of authenticity upon purchase. Looking for something different to give the dog lover in your life? This is the place to be! No doubt!

PS: Another incredible pet photographer.