I'm grieving today over one of our rescue girls who died yesterday, four days after the beginning of her heartworm treatment. In the midst of my grief though, I'm overwhelmed with the desire to do something positive, and thus this post . . .

Another situation is really bothering me right now . . . and has me frustrated and determined to ask each one of you to take action. On September 24, 2008, a 45 year old woman left for work, as she did most days. She probably gave a pat to her two old labby boys as she left, and wished them a nice day. She knew they would be fine until she got home - they had the run of the house and a doggy door allowing them access to the yard whenever they wanted to go out. It was a part of the daily routine. On this September day though, the routine was broken. An aortic aneurysm ended the woman's life, and she never came back home. I didn't know her, I only learned of the situation recently when I heard of two old Labs, 10 and 12, destined to be put down on the 14th. I put the word out about them, and started searching for more info. I learned that these old guys had been boarded at their Vet's office since their Mom didn't come home. I learned that "everyone" thought that "someone else" was looking for a home for them. Finally, the woman's brother said he couldn't pay their boarding any longer - they had to find homes or else. That's when everyone jumped into action.

I went to see the boys. Sweet, sweet dogs. The chocolate boy, Tracker, has arthritis. He takes "little old man" tottery steps in the front, and slow steps behind. He is sweet and loves cookies and having the special place behind his ear scratched. Shooter, the black boy, moves better, but his hearing is failing and I know he doesn't see as well as he used to. He, too, is affectionate and loves to be petted. Lab Rescue of LRCP stepped up and offered to take these guys, but the local contact had gotten enough response when steps were finally taken to find a home for these boys that she declined the offer. As of Friday night, the boys were still with the Vet, but that might have changed as early as yesterday. Whatever the case, they are no longer in danger of being put down. The fact remains though, that there was no plan in place for them. These sweet old boys had their lives changed in a moment, and have been dealing with turmoil and upheaval for nearly 4 months now? Why?? Because everybody thought somebody was doing something, and nobody was.

That's why I'm writing. Do YOU have a plan, written down and accessible by the people you trust, that specifies what should happen to your dogs should you leave some day and never return? These boys are lucky . . . the woman's family and friends, knowing how much she loved her dogs, chose to have them cared for. But with no one responsible for making other arrangements for them, they have been stuck in limbo. This was a real wake up call for me, and I am asking you to let this serve as a wake up for you as well. Do not let another week go by without making arrangements for your dogs, talking to someone you can trust to be responsible for them, and putting your plan in writing. Even if you are married or in a relationship, take the time to make a plan for your dogs. I know my husband wouldn't want all of these dogs running out his ears and would want to place some of them, and he would want to do it according to my wishes - but how can he if he doesn't know what those wishes are. And should something happen to the two of us, I don't want my dogs to have to go through what Shooter and Tracker have had to deal with. I don't want your dogs to face this, either. Please take steps this week to ensure they don't have to.

Sorry about the dog that died, but thank you for the reminder. You're right, this is important. I'm making my list now. Thanks!!

I have it covered in my will. My daughter will inherit an extra lump sum, and that she can use to board, place, or care for any of my animals. She knows my wishes for all of them and will make appropriate decisions, and I trust that she will make any difficult ones in consultation with the appropriate people.

Like Nancy, we have our wishes documented and also have a sticker on our door that indicates the number of animals in the house and emergency contacts. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of the rescue girl but glad the situation with the two seniors had a happy ending.

I rescued a dog in a similar situation last June. His owner was in a serious accident - they expected him to die or be paralysed. The dog lived by himself for 2 weeks. His 'uncle' managed to drive over twice a day to feed him and let him out, but couldn't keep him himself. The call went out through the rescue network and none of the local rescue groups would take him. He is a 6 yr old, black male with HD, arthritis in his stifle, chronic ear and skin problems ... It turns out his owner was a recluse, so it was just the dog and him 99% of the time and he never gave the dog any discipline because he thought Butch would not love him if he did . The poor boy had few options, so I rescued him myself.

I have worried about my own dogs for as long as I have had any. My husband would take care of mine, but what if something happens to both of us? None of our relatives are dog people or would care for my dogs. I asked the breeders of my 2 youngest to be their "Godmothers", but I don't have anyone who would take my oldies - or my adopted rescue dog. I foster dogs for one rescue group and was upset that they did not have room for this dog that had been loved, but he would have been difficult to adopt. I worry all the time. I don't know the answer.