Studies are showing that owning a dog can have very positive health implications. On the purely physical side, a dog will need some exercise. We are all aware of the many different health benefits of regular exercise, and having a dog can give you added motivation to take walks yourself.
On the mental and emotional side pet ownership can do a lot to raise your mood and alleviate depression. It is hard to hold onto negative feelings when you are being held in such high esteem by your four-legged companion. As a friend of mine reminded me, when someone knocks at the door my dog always thinks it’s for her.
While purchasing a dog is something that is often done by young families, senior citizens can benefit from pet ownership as well. Concerns about the size of the dog can be set aside if you simply get yourself a small dog that is relatively easy to take care of even if you are not especially strong.
Breeds that are recommended for senior citizens would include my favorite the Maltese as well as cocker spaniels, Boston terriers, Yorkies, and Chihuahuas, but there are a number of others as well.
If you are concerned about the future of your pet after you pass away you can make sure that it is well provided for when you are planning your estate. The first order of business is to find someone to take care of the dog, and once that has been accomplished you need to provide financial resources.
One way of doing this would be to create a pet trust for the benefit of the dog. Celebrities like Betty White and Oprah Winfrey have set aside millions, but your dog could probably make do with considerably less.
If you have questions about providing for your dog as you are preparing for the future, simply take a moment to set up an informative consultation with a licensed and experienced Oklahoma City estate planning lawyer.
Larry Parman
Author, President and Founding Attorney
Parman & Easterday
Since founding Parman & Easterday in 1985, Larry has led over 1,000 free, community-service education programs and helped more than 10,000 Oklahoma families go from putting off their estate plan to getting it done. His goal for every client is the same: to become the person their family calls "the one who took care of everything."
Larry is the author of three books: The Straight Shooter's Guide to Estate Planning; Estate Planning Basics; and Guiding Those Left Behind in Oklahoma. He served as Oklahoma's Secretary of State and Secretary of Commerce, and his firm is the only member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys in the state.
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