How can I arrange for excellent care and protection of my dogs in the event of my death?

Question

Is there a way to setup a trust for them? What if the named trustees cannot be found or choose not to accept the responsibility? Are there foundations which will accept the dogs, keep them together for life, and provide love and attention (in exchange for payment from my estate)?

I've taken care of these dogs for 7 years - since they were 8 weeks old. Just because I drop dead doesn't mean I stop caring about what happens to them. I have plenty of money and want to ensure they don't get split up and don't live their remaining years in an unpleasant place. So don't give me this crap about they're "just dogs." You're a jackass. Oh, by the way, I have several million dollars, so this expense means nothing to me. And did I mention that you're a jackass?

To the moron who told me to "get a life"... I live is a 23,000 square foot home on 1500 private acres. I have traveled to more than 30 countries and speak 4 languages fluently. I've dated two well-known Hollywood actresses. I've produced three successful feature films and completed several major real estate development projects across the country. I've dined with two presidents. Last year alone, I earned $62 million. Believe me, I have a life.So shut your cake hole, you clown.

Answer 1

Quite frankly, I wouldn't trust a non-animal person with my money and my critters. There are just no guarantees when it comes to individuals and responsibility. You might have a wonderful nephew, but he could marry a gold-digger who decides Lassie is getting too much attention. You never know with family and friends. Situations change, and the dogs aren't able to speak or look out for themselves.

There are many excellent non-profit animal organizations who would care for the animals, keep them together, and have volunteers to spend time with them. I have several acquaintances who are involved in rescues, one of whom specializes in taking in older dogs from elderly owners no longer able to care for them. She gives older dogs a quiet place to "retire."

Legitimate rescue organizations have a lot of contacts in several states, and are practical about what they do. Some are huge, such as Angel Canyon in Utah. Some are small, like my friend.

Beware, however, of the fakes and flakes. I'm in a rural area, and lived next door to a woman who had 70 dogs and 90 cats. Several dozen of them belonged to people in nursing homes. The woman was taking payment from the old people in exchange for taking care of the animals. The living conditions were horrible, both for the animals and the woman, as she wouldn't turn down any animal, and had many that were dangerous, diseased or aged and in pain.

She was finally busted, and the animals were confiscated and most were put down. She has since gone elsewhere, and is doing the same thing again. She is also affiliated with a legitimate non-profit whose soft-hearted CEO can't figure out that this girl is a nut case.

So please do some research, or hire someone to do it for you, and find a truly legitimate place, with caring people with a good history. There are many who would be grateful for your generosity, and would insure your "babies" lived out their lives without harm and in peace.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

If the trustee cannot be found or chooses not to accept the responsibility, the court will appoint a trustee. A trust will NEVER fail for want of a trustee.

Trust laws vary from state to state, so I'm basically brainstorming. You will obviously need to check with a licensed attorney in your state in order to obtain accurate legal advice, but these ideas might be worth mentioning.

In looking at your situation, it appears that your biggest concern would be monitoring the the person taking care of your dogs, rather than finding a trustee. I don't believe your dogs can legally be the beneficiaries of the trust. (once again state law controls). So it would appear that you have two main options:

1. Make the person taking care of your dogs the trustee and the beneficiary
2. Make the person taking care of your dogs the beneficiary and appoint a separate trustee.

The obvious problem with #1 would be a total self-monitoring of the level of care being provided to the dogs. Also, once the dogs pass, the payments from your estate should cease. The temptation to keep receiving the payments following the deaths of the dogs would be tremendous. Who watches the watcher?

#2 seems like the better option. Have a trustee be the person that merely calls to check on the dogs and cut the checks. The trustee could make a bi-yearly phone call to the dogs vet as a requisite to continuing payment. Plus, making the person taking care of the dogs the beneficiary would give them an incentive to take care of the dogs as best as possible and give them the longest and happiest life.

I'm sure there are foundations which would accept the dogs, but your best bet might be to speak with rescue groups of the dogs' particular breed. These rescue groups show a passion for placing dogs in loving homes. They do what they do out of love for the breed, not for monetary reasons. Who knows, they might be able to place the dogs in a pre-screened home and monitor the conditions of the dogs in exchange for a charitable donation from your estate.

Good luck. And remember to speak with an attorney to find out the particulars of your state's law.

Answer 3

Set up a trust, or arrange life insurance to fund a trust.

Find someone willing to take care of them, and name them as the trustee, to care for the animals,

This is a fairly commom thing to do

Answer 4

You can be specify in your will as to what you wish for your pets. If you have the money, yes, you can set up a trust for them.

Answer 5

seriously, find a friend that you trust to take care of them, stop with the madness of the trust fund, they are still just dogs.

Answer 6

go TO A LAWYER AND YES U CAN SET UP WHATEVER U WANT FOR YOUR ANIMALS. there R ALOT OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD DO THAT. ACTUALLY THIS IS VERY NORMAL THINKING. NICE TI HEAR IT.

Answer 7

why don't you donate your money to an area animal shelter? you seriously need to get a life.