23/02/2025
🐾LOVE YOUR DOG? PLAN AHEAD FOR THEIR FUTURE 🐾
Our pets are more than companion animals — they’re family! Ensuring their well-being, even when we can no longer care for them, is your crucial responsibility.
Many senior dogs end up in shelters when their owners pass away or become unable to provide care. You don’t want your beloved companion suffering the trauma of a shelter’s stressful institutional environment, only to end up euthanized in the company of strangers.
Unfortunately, rehoming a senior dog is almost impossible without your thoughtful planning to secure a loving future.
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1. IDENTIFY A CAREGIVER
Speak with family, friends, or trusted individuals who might be willing to take over your dog's care:
• Availability and Resources: Do they have the time, environment, means, and willingness to provide care?
• Experience and Lifestyle: Are they familiar with dogs or do they lead a lifestyle that suits your dog’s needs?
• Long-Term Commitment: Will they be able to commit to caring for your dog for the remainder of their lifetime?
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2. CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE PET CARE PLAN
A well-documented, detailed plan ensures that your dog's future caregiver understands their specific needs:
• Medical History: Chronic conditions, medications, allergies, and veterinary contact information.
• Diet and Nutrition: Dietary preferences, restrictions, and feeding schedules.
• Routine and Behavior: Exercise habits, socialization needs, and any behavioral quirks.
• End-of-Life Wishes: Your preferences regarding euthanasia, cremation, or burial arrangements.
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3. PREPARE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
Ensure a seamless transition and manageable financial planning:
• Include Your Dog in Your Will: Specify who should take custody of your dog and detail any funds allocated for their care.
• Establish a Pet Trust: A legally binding pet trust guarantees that designated funds are used solely for your dog's well-being.
• Provide Emergency Contacts: Inform veterinarians, neighbors, and family members about your plans so they know whom to contact.
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4. COMMUNICATE YOUR WISHES
Make sure your family, friends and veterinarian are fully aware of your plans. Provide written instructions and discuss the details with multiple people. This clarity will help ensure your wishes are honored without confusion should the time come.
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5. SHORT TERM EMERGENCIES
Create a brief similar plan if the need for short term care should arise. Typically occurs in the case of a major illness, hospitalization or while family may be out of town. Provide contacts for boarding, pet sitters and family. Same basic information above will likely be required
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IN CONCLUSION
By taking these proactive steps, you can rest assured that your cherished canine family member will continue to receive the love and care they deserve — even in your absence. Planning ahead is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Good Shepherd Rescue is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been in continuous operation since 1999 in the Dallas / Ft Worth area.
