In the event of an emergency, my dog goes to …
Have you planned a foster parent for your pet?
Update on May 29, 2021: For singles and unmarried couples without petnuptials, check out the Netflix film “Dog Gone Trouble” featuring Betty White, Big Sean and Snoop Dogg. This is a great example of what happens when a single person does have a pre-planned will but still isn’t sure of who is worthy of having her dog.
If I was a beer drinker, Busch’s three-month beer offer for dog fostering would not entice me. I can’t stand beer though. If a company that sells Merlot or Whiskey Sour mix started handing out offers, I’m in. Regardless of liquor preferences, the bigger point is there’s an uptick in companies trying to help dog shelters find homes for pets — whether it’s permanent adoption or temporary fostering due to coronavirus (which has currently infected 122,653 people and lead to 2,112 deaths, according to CDC).
Maybe the idea of fostering or adopting (another) dog is not of interest to you. But it does bring up a question that you, as a dog owner, should be able to answer: Where would your dog go in the event of an emergency? For quite a few families, that’s an easy answer. The dog would stay with the husband or wife, or maybe the mom or dad. But what about dog owners who are living with roommates who are more or less tolerating the dog but wouldn’t want to own it outright? What about that relative who can’t care for your dog even if it’s just a short trip out of town? Are you prepared for your dog’s care in the event that you have to leave for an extended period of time — or you know, worse?
Recommended Read: “Adopting a dog during the coronavirus scare ~ How to socialize your pet during social isolation”
When someone first gets a dog, they’re so caught up in all the new responsibilities regarding him or her that they often ignore this detail for the rest of the dog care checklist: spaying or neutering, vaccinations, dog food, treats, obedience classes, crates, beds and blankets, toys, etc. It’s a lot that goes into preparing for a new dog to enter one’s home.
Playing and walking the dog is the easiest part. Hanging out and cuddling with your dog while watching TV? You can nail that in your sleep — literally. The life span of a dog is about 10 to 13 years, and maybe longer for small breeds like Chihuahuas. But unfortunately, the dog owner doesn’t always outlive the dog. (I’ve cough-cried my way through “Hachi” — based on the real-life story of the Japanese Akita dog Hachikō — enough to know this.)
Recommended Read: “Why single people need a will, too ~ Don’t blow off writing a will — even if you’re childless”
Do you think you know the answer to this already? Stop reading this post long enough to text, call or email the person that you think would permanently take care of your dog. Wait for the answer. Then come back to this post.
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You have your answer? Good. Now whether you’re pleased or pissed at the answer this person gave you, respect that this person is honest (hopefully). The last thing you want is for someone to lie to your face (or digital screen) about how your dog will be taken care of when it’s probably not going to happen.