Shortly after my last birthday I decided it was time for me to do some personal estate planning. There was no immediacy to this decision, but I’d entered the decade of life where these thoughts come to mind.
I knew that disposing of my “stuff” would be no problem. The big question is what would happen to my best friend. I’m lucky in that I’m good friends with a couple with whom I exchange pet-sitting favors. When they need, Gizmo & I stay at their place and watch their pack, and whenever I have to leave, Gizmo goes to stay with them. He’s very comfortable in their home and they love him. I approached each of them separately and asked if they would be willing to adopt Gizmo if anything ever happened to me. I felt it was important that they both were willing, and happily they were. Problem settled…or so I thought.
It was a stroke of luck that I was invited to review “If I Should die Before My Dog —“, by Joe and Cathy Connolly. Although my friends know Gizmo, this book made me realize that they didn’t really “know” him.
The format is that of a workbook or diary of your dog’s life. As I reviewed the questions I realized that there was so much about Gizmo that no one but me really knew. Won’t it be wonderful to provide Gizmo’s next guardians with detailed information so that they can comfort him and ease his sadness and confusion when I’m no longer there for him.
This is such a difficult subject for any of us to think about, but the Connolly’s guide you through it gently, in a positive tone, and from your dog’s point of view. When completed, the reader will hear your dog telling his own story.
Every aspect of your dog’s life is considered here, and in detail that wouldn’t have occurred to me. For example, would I have thought to include a list of Gizmo’s nicknames? Probably not. How about his microchip information? I would have missed that one too. When I got to the section on how Gizmo signaled he that he needed to go out I included a note that he’s used to having a bell hanging from the doorknob that he taps when it’s time…never would have remembered to add that without the Connolly’s prompting. There’s almost 30 key aspects of your dog’s life covered here, and if you take the time to fill in each section you will be presenting your dog’s next caretakers with a fully complete guide to his unique and loveable self.
The last section of the book is called “What I’d Like to Relate”. This was probably the hardest for me to complete. It’s where you can write a letter to your dog, saying whatever you want. This was the only section that saddened me, realizing that I would not be the person to read this to Gizmo.
I’ll be leaving this completed book with my attorney, to provide to Gizmo’s new home if and when necessary.
I recommend that everyone who loves their pets and cares about what happens to them get this book and take the time to complete it in detail. Not to be morbid, but you don’t have to be “of a certain age” to make use of this. Tragic accidents can happen, and where your dog is concerned, being fully prepared is always best.
About the Authors
Joe and Cathy Connolly
Joe and Cathy Connolly have spent a lifetime owning, training and caring for dogs. Cathy grew up with a Collie breeder, dog groomer and dog handler while attending many different dog shows and eventually went on to work with other breeders as she grew older. They live in beautiful Northern Michigan with their 3 furry four legged children, one large dog, one small dog and the entire family is supervised by one bossy calico cat.
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Disclosure
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, but anyone who knows me knows the opinions above are all my own.
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Terrier Torrent 
Gizmo – thats really “such a difficult subject for any of us to think about”… as we read about the letter to the dog , we had tears in our eyes. It’s so hard to realize … I think it’s the best way to speak with yan attorney and maybe he can draft a clause – just in case. Sadly this isn’t only a question of age – bad things can happen to all of us. Thanks a lot for this post Gizmo – no one like to think about it – but it’s important to be on a “safe side”.
Easy, my Momz had leaky eyes more than once as she went through this book…But now that it’s done she feels much better about everything, knowing that I will always be taken care of by friends…I am in her will, by name, with my approved caretakers’ information included, so there will never be a question about my future…No one wants to think about this, but I feel better knowing that my Momz cared enough to do this for me
I agree Gizmo – the attorney of our family should integrate me in the “last will”-papers too – just in case. I think that’s also a kind of love ;o) It’s so important to arrange this things
It is love…the best and most unselfish kind
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I recently queried my Facebook fans about this very subject. SO important to have a plan!
Yes Linus…it’s the one thing no one wants to consider yet it will matter so much to your furbaby…I hope my post helps some folks start making plans
We co-own all three of our dogs, so should something happen to us then they go back to their co-owners. It is a big plus to co-ownership for us. 🙂
Co-owning is a great answer…Knowing that your dogs will be with someone who cares for them and knows the breed so well must bring peace of mind
It does because I am not sure who would take them otherwise. Chessies are not goldens or labs.
They’re not as “easy” a dog as a Golden or a Lab but I’ve always loved their spirit and determination
WOW! What a great book to have, but right now I’d need 3 copies of it!
Even one copy would help you plan for the future…Reading through all the sections and documenting the answers for each dog would take time, but it’s time well-spent
Gizmo is absolutely gorgeous, I love the idea of him ringing the bell to go out to the toilet.
It’s something I started years ago with other dogs and he picked right up on it…just had to hang the bell a little lower for him 😉
That really is a great idea. Roxy is pretty easy to understand and doesn’t have any different habits. Torrey on the other hand….would be basket case without us. Someone would need some guidance to keep her happy.
I’ve never seen a book like this before that addressed the topic so completely and in such a postive, upbeat tone…It makes this vital task so much simpler
What s wondetful nook review on a topic we all need to address.
Hugs, Max, Bugsy, and Knuckles
Thank you Max…No one wants to think about it but everyone needs to
Woof! Woof! Topic that is always in my mom’s mind. Will definitely check this book out. Happy Sunday! BTW my BnW photo today was taken in HI. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
This is something we all think about and then quickly put out of mind, but it’s so important to show your love for your pet by making sure they’re always cared for…And I’m SO wrong about your photo…The trees were what tricked me…they just don’t look tropical See you tomorrow!
We never thought of that..Now we have some serious planning to do 🙂 Thanks Gizmo, we have been sloppy 🙂 xx00xx
Mollie and Alfie
It’s not something I’ve ever done so completely before either Mollie…not sloppy but just avoiding a topic that makes you sad…but now that it’s done I really have peace of mind
Very much recommended 😉
Thank you! 🙂
Not something anyone wants to think about, but it is important to make arrangements.
Afterall you never know what the future holds
It really is…If something ever happened to me it would be unthinkable if Gizmo ended up back in a shelter…It’s made me feel so much better knowing I’ve taken care of this
Great explanation of this terrific book – what I like to refer to as a tool, or instrument of love. It makes it so much easier, and more complete, to follow along with the book rather than try to guess what details you need to include for your pet’s future. This book is a godsend, and such a lovely way to do your best in caring for your best friend.
It is a tool…it makes you think about all the little things about your dog that are important to his comfort and routine…and I agree that it is a way of expressing your love in a meaningful manner
Wow, not a subject mom likes to hear about but it is very true. Heck just when she leaves for a few days she has a long list and she would always want us to be properly cared for. We may look into this book!
Emma I really do recommend this book…I leave the same kind of long lists with my friends and they do the same for me, but using the book made me focus on things I just hadn’t considered…
Here there are various dog charities that have a free scheme you can sign up to and if the worse happens they will re home your loved one(s). Hard to think about but worthy of mention. Nice one Gizmo. Have a serene Sunday.
Best wishes Molly
That is a wonderful idea Molly. I’ve never heard of anything like that here in the U.S. I wonder if any exist? We’re having a wonderful day here…a long walk with geocaching too…Hope you’re day is wonderful
Great review Gizmo. Helping others to know your dog better is a great idea if something should ever happen. I think it would make things so much easier for the dog.
That’s what really struck me too Ann…it will be so much easier for Gizmo the better his new people know him…And the book made it easier for me to provide the detailed information
I saw this book being reviewed on a few other blogs but didn’t bother to read. I’m so glad I finally did. It isn’t what I was expecting.
Every time we travel without Georgia, we leave instructions with my sister, our neighbours, her boarding kennel and her vet. Unfortunately, we don’t know anyone who would be able to take her in permanently if something happened to us. It’s a worry, though the parties above would be able to make sure she gets to a good home.
This book sounds such a good idea – though anyone who reads this blog will have a pretty good idea of what makes missy tick! LOL. I will have to check it out on Amazon.
I’m so pleased you chose to read mine 😀 I was wary of the book too, until I read it…It’s a positive message throughout and not at all morbid…It made me really think about what makes Gizmo into “Gizmo”…I know that my chosen folks already love him, but this will certainly help them and him adjust…I know I’m lucky that I have an “easy” dog…it would be much harder for me if he wasn’t
Wow. That sounds like a great book. Do they have one for cats? That is really a great idea. I know its got to be hard because you are facing your own mortality. I don’t want them to go before me but I don’t want just anyone to take of my fur babies. Thanks for sharing.
Funny you should ask…I just heard that there’s now an “if I Should Die Before My Pets website and there will be a book for cats…check it out here http://ifishoulddiebeforemydog.wordpress.com/2012/12/03/if-i-should-die-before-my-cat__-the-truth/
Such a hard thing to think about…but so very important. Thanks for the tip about the book for cats in the above comment. We’ll definitely check it out.
xo
It really is…and I’m glad I’d seen that note about the cat book coming and was able to share it today…FYI we’ve voted for Waffles 2 at least 3 times so far 🙂 Hope he wins!
Such a hard thing to think about…but so very important. Thanks so much for the tip about the book for cats in the above comment.
XOXO
I too have seen this book reviewed recently. It really makes you think. We took steps a few years ago to ensure our dog(s) and cats are well taken care of if and when something happens to us. Frankly, it’s something everyone should consider.
i knew i wasn’t the first, but i felt the topic was so important that i was happy to add my voice…you were ahead of most of us…i’d only gotten started a few months ago…and you’re right…this is something for everyone who loves their pets
What an interesting idea. I have a lot of family that loves me and would be interested in taking in Chester and Gretel but they aren’t all in a position to own dogs. I would hate the thought of them going to a shelter. I don’t feel the need to “leave them a letter” but this a good reminder to make sure they have a place to go if something happens to you…even if it IS a reputable rescue.
And adding to your thought, any rescue and any foster family would love to have a book like this completed…it could only help them in placing the dog in the right home and easing the transition
Thanks for this post. I have someone who will take BJ and I have left them money in my will. The devil is in the details, and this book represents the details.
It’s great that you already have a plan in place Lynda and you’re right, the details can make the difference
I can’t do it yet. I have the book, I just can’t do it. It makes me so sad to think of them without me.
I so know what you mean…I have a feeling that if I wasn’t doing my own planning I would not have taken this step, but once I got started I realized that what would happen to him was far more important to me that what happened to ‘stuff”…Just let it sit for a while…You’ll know when you’re ready
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That is a wonderful review and things you don’t want to think about but should.