Planned Giving Pays Off

Buster, Penny and Dudley are three sweet senior dogs who have recently taken residency at North Shore Animal League America. Sadly, their owner had taken ill and knew that he needed to make some residency arrangements for his loyal companions and dearest of friends. Without hesitation, the loving owner made a "planned gift" and Buster, Penny and Dudley were enrolled into North Shore Animal League America's Surviving Pet Care Program - a program that leaves no question or concern on the safety or well-being of pets in their owner's absence.

Did you know that all too often, when a pet is predeceased by their owner, the animal likely to wind up in a shelter instead of a member of the owner's family? Taking on a pet is a huge responsibility, and not everyone is ready to inherit one - especially when they already have pets in their families. A variety of scenarios may occur that prevent a loved pet from going to a family member's home:

• The animal doesn't get along with other pets in the household;
• A family member has allergies;
• There is not enough room in the household; etc

Unfortunately, all these reasons may result with that pet winding up in a shelter. And though shelters take great care of their pet residents, not all of them are able to practice a no-kill policy like North Shore Animal League America. That is a terrifying thought.

To ensure that your pet does not fall victim to an untimely demise, North Shore Animal League America, the world's largest no-kill animal shelter in the world, has a program that offers peace of mind for pet owners and a secure future for pets. When you make a "planned gift" to the League (in the form of a bequest from a will or trust, beneficiary designation of insurance policy or retirement plan, or the like) you can be assured that should you predecease your pets, your treasured animal companions will be taken care of for the rest of their lives, either in a new loving family or with us … just like Buster, Dudley and Penny.

Buster is a 10+ year old Shepherd mix. He has some health problems brought on by old age, but no serious health concerns. This sweet boy was very frightened when he came to us. Naturally, he did not understand why he was here or where his owner had gone; nor did he realize that he was in a safe place.

Buster's minor health issues included hematoma (black and blue-like bruises) to his right ear, a benign tumor composed of fatty tissue, poor skin condition and stiff joints.

We are happy to report that after only a short time in our care, we were able to find Buster a loving home. Buster was adopted and is on his way to being a happy and cherished family pet once again - as he was meant to be.

Dudley is a timid and gentle Beagle mix. At 13 years old, this sweet senior has found himself without a home. Luckily, however, his future was planned out for him, and his fate sealed. He wound up in the loving care of North Shore Animal League America - where we make every attempt possible to love and care for our pets and find them their very own homes with loving people.

Dudley is also in pretty good health for a mature dog. His health conditions include some hair loss from a previous flea infestation and increased liver enzymes for which he is currently not in need of medication.

Like Buster, Dudley also found a new forever home. A mature couple fell in love with Dudley the moment they saw him, and just like that … Dudley had a new family.

This is Penny. Just like Buster and Dudley, she too was lucky enough to be sent to the safety of the League's care after her owner passed on and not somewhere else where her fate would be uncertain.

This sweet girl is about 10+ years old and other than some dental issues, is in good health. Penny is a little shy and timid but full of love. When she first arrived in our care, she seemed more nervous than the others. Luckily, it wasn't long before one of the League's very own associates fell in love with Penny and took her to her new forever home.

Imagine - these loving and loyal companions would likely be put down at a kill shelter. With such tight space restrictions, and more demand for puppies than elders, many shelters would not be able to house these animals for the amount of time it would likely take to find them homes. It's such a shame. So many pets like these - devoted, loving, housebroken - know what it means to be a good pet. They have worked hard for the love they were given and know how to please their owners. Their fates should not be jeopardized.

But Buster, Dudley and Penny were lucky. Their owner loved them so much that he made sure to think ahead and make arrangements for them in the event that he died first. When the time came, these dogs escaped the uncertainty that comes with shelters that do not practice a no-kill philosophy and that can not hold an animal for as long as it may take to find them new homes. Planned giving certainly paid off for Buster, Dudley and Penny, as now they are back in their very own homes - safe and secure - where they will remain for the rest of their days.

Don't take chances with your beloved pets' lives. Enroll them in the Surviving Pet Care Program and enroll them in life.

For questions or information about the Surviving Pet Care Program, please contact Eric at ericl@nsalamerica.org