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WHEN YOU DIE
WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR BIRDS?
If you are a bird breeder, you may have already made arrangements because your birds are your business. However, if you are a companion bird owner, have you thought about it?
Who is going to take care of your bird? Where will it end up? In someone's home being cared for but not loved; at an auction along with other exotic animals? As a want ad in the newspaper -- or just abandoned to a garage or basement.
DO YOU KNOW THAT......
.....Most zoos are not equipped to take estate birds?
....Most Humane Societies do not have avian facilities?
....Most of your relatives probably don't like or want your bird?
Many of our companion birds will outlive us. It is up to us to make plans and arrangements for their care after we are gone. There are several ways this can be done. You can speak with your attorney or estate planner and set up an account or an insurance policy that will provide an income for those caring for your bird until proper placement can be made.
A rider can be attached to your present Will stating who will be in charge of your companion. You may give written instructions and set aside money at this time.
You may contact one of the many Avian Rescue and/or Placement program. If you do not know of any, please contact your local bird clubs or the Humane Society for references.
You may wish to contact a local bird club that does placement and arrange for someone in that organization to be the recipient of your bird until a suitable home can be found.
You may want to designate someone responsible for the placement of your bird; someone that knows and understands the value, both financial and sentimental, and the needs of companion birds.
This information needs to be readily available. Make sure someone in your family knows where this information is -- it will be needed long before your Will is read.
JUST REMEMBER: When you set down to make arrangements for the kids, the house, the car -- Don't forget the dog, the cat and the bird.
ALSO: Make sure someone knows how to care for your companion animals in the event you are hospitalized. Many persons, living alone, must leave companion animals in their homes, alone, while they are incapacitated. Make sure arrangements are made to have your animals cared for or picked up and taken to a shelter until you can come home to them.
If you know of any persons living alone that have companion animals, make sure you talk to them about plans for their care. If you belong to a bird club, make one of your annual projects the assistance of people in Senior Citizens Housing aware of the needs of their companions in an emergency.
If you need assistance contacting Avian Rescue or Placement Organizations, you may contact me.
Helen Fahlsing
Charlie's Bird House
PO Box 1044
Gatesville, TX 76528
birdangel@hotmail.com |
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