Desert Estate Planning Law Blog : Palm Springs Estate Planning Lawyer & Attorney : Daryl Binkley Law Firm : Palm Desert, Indian Wells, Southern California

My daughter, Isabella recently started to teach our dog Boots (both pictured below)
everything she learns at her preschool: counting, days of the week, and even the pronunciation of letters from the alphabet.  She sits him down, tells him stories and sometimes even asks him if he likes a particular song. It is amusing to watch the two of them together and the bond that grows between them stronger everyday. It doesn't matter that our dog falls asleep half-way through her stories or that he walks over her toys -- he is there with her and always ready to play.  

When I write my blogs from home, Boots will sit up in my lap. He approves of everything I say, naturally, which is why I think he is incredibly smart....

I know that many pet lovers can attest to the fact that their pets improve their well being, significantly reduce their stress, and provide companionship.

If you're an animal lover you might be interested in the upcoming Animal Samaritans "Walk with the Animals" taking place on Saturday, March 21st from 9 am-12 pm. The money raised will help care for their homeless shelter and animals and fund the humane education program. There will be plenty fun activities for kids, pet costume contest and dog tricks.  Note registration begins at 8 am.

In a previous blog post I mentioned some of the benefits of pet planning, pet trusts and charitable gifting options. There have been changes in California law regarding pet trusts, so more blog posts dedicated to pet trusts and pet planning coming up soon....stay tuned. Have a question or comment about a pet trust, charitable giving option feel free to contact me or any charity organization directly.

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On a typical day, my Yorkie, Boots (pictured at left) forces me out of bed for his pre-dawn walk, he hides my socks before I go to work, and begs me for food every chance he gets. He is a constant source of entertainment as he slides down the hall running after me or when he barks at his own shadow. He is a great snuggle buddy and playmate for my daughter and definitely a member of our family.

Pets add so much excitement and joy to our daily life that it is common to find people on El Paseo walking their dogs and referring to them as their children. As we age, I think, the role of pets becomes even more significant in our lives.

Here in the Desert, many retired residents live far away from their immediate family—so their pets become their daily companions—a source of love, companionship and emotional support on a continuing basis.  In some cases maybe their only companion. However, there are various opportunities for pet owners to socialize and bond with others like them.

Pet owners can bond together, in various pet clubs like the Standard Poodle Club of the Desert to get a sense of community and enjoy their common interest—the love of pets. Meg Doolittle, the founder of the Standard Poodle Club of the Desert even participates in the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, and tells other poodle owners to "Come to the parade, bring their Standard Poodle, and join in on the fun."  She can be reached via email at: QueenBaba@aol.com

And still other activities involving pets abound; such as volunteering or working at some of the various non-profit organizations supporting animal related causes. One example is the Animal Samaritans of the Desert, this organization and others like it provide another way for pet lovers to get involved with pet-friendly causes.

Another positive organization is the Humane Society of the Desert (Orphan Pet Oasis).  Malinda Bustos, the organization's President tells me that the Humane Society of the Desert has been serving the Coachella Valley since 1961. That the organization began with a simple concept...help those who cannot help themselves. To hundreds of abandoned, neglected and abused animals, this Sanctuary is their home. They provide medical care, training, shelter and most important offering these animals a second chance in life.  They will be hosting their "The Blessing of the Animals" on October 25, 2008.

With pets playing an important role in the life of their owners, it is not that difficult to understand why some pet owners begin to think of who or how their pet will be taken care of when they are gone (especially elderly owners). 

It is interesting to note that there are various options to ensure a pet will be cared for--such as through a pet trust, or nominating a person or organization to take care of a pet in the event they pass away, or even other ways too.

For people that really want to donate some of their wealth to pet-friendly organizations, there is the potential to provide a charitable gift in their estate planning documents.

Some benefits of doing so include:           

                1) Ensure that your pet is taken care of

                2) Naming short-term and long-term guardians for your pet

                3) Providing clear instructions for any pet beneficiaries

Even though a pet may be a star in our lives—every so often a celebrity pet is in the limelight. Such is the case with a Maltese named TROUBLE.

Leona Helmsley’s famous, or more correctly stated, infamous dog received a distribution in the millions of dollars, creating a lot of hostility in the audaciousness of her distribution. A recent New Yorker article examines the history of providing for pets in estate planning documents and more particulars of Leona Helmsley’s estate planning involving her dog. The article includes several negative comments about Leona Helmsley’s “Trouble-d” planning.

Unlike Leona Helmsley, you don’t have to leave everything to your pet, however, there are several ways to provide for your pet in a reasonable fashion (without breaking the bank or giving away everything you own). This type of planning ensures that even after you are gone your pet (your surrogate family members/friendly companions) will continue to enjoy the rest of their lives.

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