Gracie's Bark | Pet Friendly Resource

Indy, the Siberian Husky, beating the odds for one year

Gracie and I have stayed in contact with Carol Roberts and her amazing Husky named Indiana (Indy). We are always sending get well wishes Indy's way and we keep Indy and family in our thoughts every day. 

You may remember a story about Indy on our blog back on October 27, 2010. Read More

Carol contacted Gracie's Bark again to celebrate Indy's remarkable story and we were more than happy to showcase Indy a second time!

"I would like to share with all of you special people a beautiful tribute to our Indiana, as he is beating the odds for one year! My wonderful husband Steve showed me how to create this amazing video, which I finished last month in hopes that we would still have Indy today to celebrate the joy of his wonderful presence!

 

One year ago we were told the devastating news that our beautiful, loving Siberian husky had bone cancer. If we didn’t remove his front left limb, he would not have even lived another month or two, as it would have spread rapidly to his lungs. We were told that with the surgery, it only promised us 5 or 6 months the most. (with a very small possibility of an extra month) We were also told that it was very rare, but a few dogs have beaten the odds for up to a year.) We hoped and prayed and then prayed some more that maybe this amazing soul dog of mine would be the one to be so lucky to live another year!

I couldn’t even imagine life without Indy! (I still can’t). I am so happy to say that he is still here with us, bright eyed and bushy tailed ~ so full of love & kisses! He sings with me every day and enjoys life to its fullest!  He was put on this earth to spread the love ~ just like his mom xoxo Thank you everyone for all of your love & prayers ~ we so appreciate it!  I also pray for anyone else that is going through something like this ~ that they too may have a miracle ~ as miracles do happen! I believe in the power of love!"

Written by Indy’s mom ~ Carol Roberts~ 

Please note: Indiana can also be followed on http://indianaslove.tripawds.com/

The Dog's Trust Fund

How much do you love your pet? Would you write your pet into your will? 

 

 

 

On January 7, 2011, “Governor Deval Patrick signed into law An Act Relative to Trusts for the Care of Animals to allow legally enforceable trusts to provide for the care of one or more animals if the trust’s creator becomes incapacitated in any way or dies.” (MSPCA-Angell Press Release). The law takes effect in 90 days in Massachusetts. 

MSPCA’s Director of Advocacy stated “When this law takes effect families with pets will be able to provide financial resources for the care of their animals in the event of incapacity or death, benefitting people as well as the pets. Additionally, the burden placed on municipal shelters and rescue organizations will now be eased as there is a viable, enforceable alternative plan for the care of animals.” Read More

My next concern would be to ask myself “Whom would I entrust with the care of Gracie and Luke?” Well, luckily I have Rob, but also some great friends and family members that I could count on to take very good care of my two monsters! 

The Pet Trust law prohibits the person you entrust from using any of the funds for other purposes. It also provides a legal avenue to enforce the deceases owner’s wishes if a person or organization believes that the money set aside for your pet’s care is being misused. 

There are some restrictions that many people should be aware of. This law permits judges to reduce the amount of a pet care trust if it substantially exceeds the amount required to care for the pet, making sure the animal’s care is not impacted in any way.

According to an MSPCA fact sheet, between 12 and 27 percent of pet owners include their pets in estate planning, and more than a third of Massachusetts households are home to a dog or cat. 
There have been instances where people believe certain pet trusts have been misused, but the idea of putting my mind at ease that Gracie and Luke will be cared for and not tossed into a shelter, in the event that something happens, gives me peace of mind. 

Animal shelter statistics are staggering. “Approximately 5 million to 7 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year, and approximately 3 million to 4 million are euthanized (60 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those animals relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.” (ASPCA)

Pet Trusts have now opened a door to continuing pet care for animals and keeping them out of shelters. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the new law and Pet Trusts in general.  Would you write your pet into your will? Write your comments below.

I Take My Coffee Black With A Few Dog Hairs

The saying "A dog is a man's best friend" may be a cliché to some, but many can attest to its truth. Studies have shown that dogs are not only good for mere companionship but they can also help provide health benefits for humans.

How would you feel if on the next visit you made to the doctor there was a canine assistant there to greet you? 

Do you think that canine assistant could learn to promote positive "chemistry" between doctor and patients by recognizing and responding to the needs of each individual? 

There have been many instances where dogs have responded differently with different people depending on their emotional states and conditions. So why not have them work their “magic” with patients?

“Experts speculate that people give off tell-tale scents under certain physical or psychological conditions that only dogs can detect.”

A growing number of doctors and therapists are beginning to bring their beloved dogs to work with them in their private practices to greet, comfort and cheer their patients. Our loyal companions are becoming widely known as canine assistants.

Did you know that pets have the ability to improve your mood? Or control blood pressure in some cases better than drugs?

Pets ward off loneliness and provide unconditional love. 

Pets can be there for you in ways that people can’t. In addition to offering love and companionship, they can also enjoy comfortable silences, keep secrets and are excellent snugglers.

Pet’s don’t judge us, they just love us! 

So the next time you are visiting the doctor’s office, take a good look around to see if there may be a few dog hairs in your black coffee. 

“The Doctor’s Dog Will See You Now”