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The Citizens for Humane Animal Practices (CHAP) in Akron, OH tell the abominable story of the feral cats' situation in Akron (the ordinance, etc.).
http://www.saveourcats.org/
Their fight is equally as difficult in Ohio as in California...sharing their stories anywhere you can would be great...I know Eric would encourage you to do so...thanks.
Bari
Eric,
I am so sorry about your recent losses. I have tears in my eyes knowing your pain. Know that your experience will send me home tonight to love my kitties more than I already do, and not take their loyal and never changing love for granted. I can imagine your babies are in that special place, looking down on you and over you, blessing you for all the good things you do.
Cataholic
Thank You Cataholic ~ I will be at the beach for a week :cool: and will not even look at a computer :D ~ I hope I don't find any new fur friends on my trip :eek: ~ but one never knows ~ Lol ~ I have a new Feral group to take care of when I get back. I will need the rest ~~ Puddy is moving to Irene's this week and I hope all goes well for them ~~ will post when I get back on the 15th ~~ Blessings & Namaste Eric
Eric, I thought your tan looked a little weak...LOL! You and Mary enjoy yourselves...You've earned the rest and a chance for a little personal happiness.
God bless...
Bari
Hello Friends
Back from my trip ~ Had a bad storm ~ But Mary and I had a nice time at the Outer Banks N.C. ~~~
Puddy is doing well at Irene's ~ she is adjusting to her new home ~ AND Irene is adjusting to having her first cat. I am watching this carefully and have Puddys interest at heart. I also am having Irene leave Puddy to me in her Will. Puddy is 4 years and Irene is 85. One never knows ~ So I guess, for now, all is well for Puddy ~ Namaste Eric
Excellent news, Eric, and welcome home! I love the Outer Banks.....such a beautiful place. Glad you had a good trip over there.
Logan
Welcome back, Eric. :) Glad you had a nice vacation! And I'm glad you got Irene to leave Puddy to you in her will. That way there will be no question about Puddy's future if and when it's time for Irene. Can't wait to hear about your next "project." :)
Eric, the will idea is just the BEST NEWS!!!! Now we know Puddy will be watched out for. Bless you, my friend...you are totally COOL!
Bari and the Pride
Eric,
That is WONDERFUL news!!! I hope you had a nice, restful vacation, aside from the weather. Welcome back!!!
I am often asked if my clients can include their pets in their wills. My answer is always a resounding yes! More importantly, I also mention to make a specific bequest of money to "Aunt So and So the care and upkeep of pet". Sometimes that makes a difference.
Welcome Back Eric and Mary - great news about the will - what a good idea. I bet Irene is secretly relieved to have you 'popping in' to keep an eye an Puddy - - - and her!
Lynne
Eric,
After I talked to you and you mentioned the will, I immediately went into my locked box and checked my will to make sure my cats would be cared for. Sure enough, they'll be provided for. My friends in CT have offered to take them in if anything happens to me. What a relief.
this might be a good time to point out the legal view of animals:
unfortunately, in many states animals are still regarded as personal property, with no independent legal rights. it is not enough to have friends "offer" to take our animals in the event that we are no longer able to take care of our pets. all the legal hoops must be jumped through--every detail must be stipulated, and the arrangement with future caretakers needs to be formalized. i can't count the number of times a pet owner has died, believing that the animals would be properly attended to, only to have the new "attenders" decide now that they really don't want to care for the animal after all--it's one thing to talk the talk (easy to do at the time), and completely another to walk the walk.
this is less likely to happen with a formal agreement--who will retrieve the animal, who will transport if necessary, has there been a financial plan put in place by the estate to provide care for the animal, if the animal must be boarded until transport is available, who will pay for it? etc. make sure your closest survivors know of your plan, as it may be many days before the will is executed.
i hate to be a soldier at an ice cream social, but this is the way our world is. it is up to us to make sure everything is in place before we die.
lots of animal organizations have more information on this matter, including ASPCA, HSUS, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Animal Legal Defense Fund, etc. some even provide forms you can fill out.
just a word to the wise.
catherine
In follow up to Czicat's post, a will is just a 'suggestion'. By that I mean even if you formalize the arrangement- the recipient, beneficiary, trustee, has the right to refuse the gift, responsibility, etc.
There isn't really any positive way to say this but, if you intend to 'leave' your pet with someone after you die, leaving the person or organization MONEY specifically desginated for the care, upkeep, maintanence, etc., goes a long way to effecting your wishes. "and to Aunt Mary, I leave $1000.00, payable in yearly installments for the care, upkeep, etc., of my dear pet cat. Should Aunt Mary decide she is no longer able to care for Ci-Ci, then this gift lapses, and..."
Something like this is necessary. THIS IS NOT THE EXACT WORDING I WOULD USE, AND IS NOT LEGALLY SUFFICIENT, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE...ETC., ETC., EVERYONE SHOULD TALK TO AN ATTORNEY IN THEIR JURISDICTION TO BEST EFFECT THEIR WISHES. Sorry, but I have to include that part...he he he...
Mine are all covered and I made damn sure of it. After being in animal rescue for over 5 years and seeing well intended family members dump their relatives pets at the Humane Society and pounds because they don't want to be bothered with "fluffy", I wasn't taking any chances.