Program finds homes for pets when owners die

All too often, when a pet is predeceased by its owner, the animal can end up in a shelter instead of with a member of the owner's family. For animal lovers concerned about who will care for cherished pets who outlive them, North Shore Animal League America has created the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program, a national service offering safe and loving future environments for companion animals.

Because North Shore Animal League America practices a nokill policy, this program guarantees that should an owner predecease his or her treasured companions, they will be cared for over the rest of their lives, either in a new, loving family or with the league, where there is an on-site, state-of-the-art medical facility.

"Having a plan in place, like the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program, offers pet owners peace of mind knowing that their beloved animals will never be euthanized and will always have a warm, safe place to call home," said Barbara Barrett, vice president of planned giving. She added, "You know that until we can find the perfect family, they are safe here at the league."

Recently, a subscriber to the Safe Haven Program passed on, and his beloved dogs, Buster, Penny and Dudley, were placed in the league's care. The three adult dogs were obviously distressed over being separated from their owner, but within a short period, the league was able to find new pet parents for each.

Buster, a 10-year-old shepherd mix, now resides with a young couple, Bill and Jessica, and is the love of their lives. Ten-year-old Penny was also matched with a new owner, Thomas, who provided her the companionship of another adult dog living in his home.

Then there's Dudley, whose new adoptive mom, Hilda, fell in love with his "big brown eyes" when she met him at the shelter and spoils him with two beds so that he can enjoy his afternoon nap wherever he pleases.

Dudley, Penny and Buster are ideal examples of successful planning ahead, said Barrett, who urges all pet owners to include their treasured companions in their estate planning and consider the benefits of the Safe Haven Surviving Pet Care Program.

For more information about this program call Barrett at (877) 4-SAVE-PET (472-8373), e-mail barbara_b@nsalamerica.org or visit www.animal-league.org.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.