BOOK REVIEW: When Your Pet Outlives You: Protecting Animal Companions After You Die

Review by Karen Lawrence

David Congalton and Charlotte Alexander have approached a subject that is one most people never even think about. That's because our own demise is not a pleasant topic yet we must, as responsible pet owners, think about what will happen to our pets if they outlive us … and then plan appropriately.

The authors have given great credibility to the need for such a plan by citing case after case of pets that are left behind after the sudden illness or death of their owners. Some have happy endings; unfortunately, several don't.

For example:

Ross and Judy Becker, the well-known and respected editors of Good Dog! Magazine, were travelling to an anniversary celebration in South Carolina when their car veered across the highway and they were both killed. Despite being animal enthusiasts and wonderful pet owners, the Becker's had made no provisions for the care of their 7 animals. Friends stepped in and rehoused their 2 dogs and 5 cats.

In another shocking accident Erma Jenei (a well-known breeder of Siamese and Orientals) and her son were killed instantly in a car accident during the ice storm that gripped the northeast area of North America in 1998. Erma left behind 21 cats in her home, yet no plans had been made as to what should happen to them. With the permission of her son's widow, all cats were rescued by breeders in the area and new homes were found for them.

On the other hand, a relatively young physical therapist in Colorado had a heart attack and died, leaving behind 9 animals. Paperwork was found in the house indicating where she had obtained the two parrots and they were returned. The other 7 animals were euthanized, which is probably not what the owner would have wanted for her beloved pets.

When reading this book, it's very clear that the moral of the story is to make plans for the care of those animals that enrich our lives. The authors go into explicit detail about how to set up such a plan and stress that a verbal agreement is not enough. Put it in writing, preferably in a will, and be sure someone knows where a copy is kept.

Identification of your animals is also important, and the authors suggest a photo ID, along with organized paperwork kept in a highly visible file. How to set up a Pet ID file is explained in detail - photos (useless unless the pet is identified on the back), preparing an information card for each animal, keeping a file with health and registration papers, feeding instructions, etc. They also stress the importance of having at least one friend know what you want done in case of an emergency - and that someone has a spare key to your home.

Other chapters thoroughly cover setting up a pet trust to provide for your animals, appointing a caretaker, and what the law allows when it comes to pet protection. A full chapter is devoted to the stories of pets affected by the September 11th tragedy.

Overall, this well organized book is highly recommended as a definite eye opener and a MUST read for anyone who owns a pet. Our animals deserve no less.

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