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

My daughter, Isabella loves animals. So far, she has not seen a cat, dog, horse or fish she didn't like. In fact, she can spend all day playing with our neighborhood dogs and cats. So when I told her recently we will have a chance to tour the Animal Samaritans SPCA operations on Ramon Road in Thousand Palms (a place where she could see animals, specifically cats and dogs) she was super-excited. As a member of the Animal Samaritans’ Planned Giving Advisory Council I also wanted to experience the organization from the “front-line trenches.”

We didn't plan to stay as long as we did, but we left with so much appreciation for the people who run the place, the veterinarians and support staff who care for animals that are brought in for check-ups, surgery or vaccinations, and the volunteers who help out this wonderful organization.   

As a parent and animal lover, I felt it was important for my daughter to see that there are so many animals in need of shelter. And that these wonderful pets are as lovely and sweet as our own dog at home. My mom adopted a pet from here, and I am pretty sure that our next pet will come from this place as well.

As we strolled to look at the clinic, one of our guides Richard Martin, the Director of Operations, shared with us that on average the clinic provides more than 8,500 surgeries each year, which is one the highest number of surgeries compared to other similar organizations in California. And in late September construction workers poured the first layers of cement for the new Animal Samaritans' vet clinic.

Mr. Martin said, "We are very excited about the new clinic being built as we will be able to better serve our community with affordable vet care and realize our mission to assist in the elimination of animal homelessness." The new facilities will be state of the art. 

He continued on by saying, "Our facility is so busy and we are grateful for our staff, volunteers and everyone who helps our organization." The organization also has a great amount of events.

Each animal at the shelter has their own story. There was a beautiful gray cat "Pretty", a survivor of hurricane Katrina, there was Samba, a cat so beautiful and mysterious that we wanted to take her home (Pretty has already been adopted—YEAH!). In a separate room we met the "tub kittens"—15 kittens who were left in front of the Animal Samaritans building one early morning in September in a medium-sized tub sealed shut with packing tape. Luckily, they all survived and are now lively, playful kittens hopping and jumping around. We met a super sweet dog, Isabella (yes the same name as our daughter), who was so excited to see visitors. 

"Our volunteers and foster parents are here to take care of animals and provide so much needed love and care, before our pets are adopted. Donations and financial contributions are much needed but if those are not an option for you, volunteering and foster parenting are great ways to get involved" said Sandra Viden-Martins, Director of Development at Animal Samaritans SPCA.

"Our Animal Assisted Therapy volunteers bring their own temperament tested animals to various communities, from senior centers to children with disability, and what they do for others is truly amazing," continued Sandra

Besides volunteering, there are other ways to help this organization, such as providing for the Animal Samaritans SPCA in your estate planning documents, such as a will or trust. Planned giving provides funds for community-wide services of Animal Samaritans SPCA. Just remember to include the name of the charity in Thousand Palms in your estate planning documents to avoid confusion with other charities in other areas that may have a similar name.

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. You might want to visit the lovely animals there and see what they can do for your well-being.   I know, I will be back there with my family soon.

Other Pictures Below:

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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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