Used to be that a pampered pet was one with a collar who had his name scrawled across the top of the homemade, wooden doghouse. Those days are long gone. Today, some pets spend their nights under the covers and their “parents” shop for the right thread count! We buy gourmet cookies, seasonal clothing, reiki treatments and insurance for our pets. We celebrate our pets’ b-days and either plan vacations around them or bring them along and willingly pay “convenience” fees for pet-friendly hotels and rentals. Their photos grace our walls, iPhones, Facebook pages and holiday cards. We do these things because we consider our pets part of the family. Given that, do you have a contingency plan in the event your pet outlives you? Sadly, many well-loved and well cared-for pets don’t. PHS/SPCA’s receiving counter employees see dogs and cats, rabbits, exotic birds, even reptiles whose owners have passed away and the living relatives don’t want the responsibility of providing ongoing and possibly long-term care. Luckily, there’s a simple solution. Many animal welfare groups — PHS/SPCA included — can help you make arrangements for your pet should he or she outlive you. Through our appropriately-named Continuing Care Program, we help you designate a guardian, plan for expenses, medical care and other needs. To participate, call 650/340-7022, ext. 327. We know many people will want to spend at least as much time thinking about and preparing for their pets’ futures as they do “Photoshopping” their digital images. Now, fortunately, they have the all the tools.
Scott oversees PHS/SPCA’s Customer Service, Behavior and Training, Education, Outreach, Field Services, Humane Investigation, Volunteer, and Media/PR program areas and staff. His companion, Cooper, mostly oversees all things edible. |