b'Planning For Their Future, continued from previous pageHOT DIGGIT Communicating Your IntentionsDIGGITY DOG! Its crucial to communicate your plans, often and in writ-NOW IS THE TIME TO S ing, for your pets future to family members, close friends, orNOW IS THE TIME TO START PLANNING FORanyoneinvolvedinyourend-of-lifearrangements.Leavingclear instructions in your Will or a separate Letter of Intent willhelp avoid any misunderstandings or disputes. Include relevantinformation about your pets, such as their medical records,dietary needs, behavioral quirks, and contact information fortheir designated guardian or trustee. We often think our fami-ly will not fight over such things, but any probate attorney willtell you that quite often, the stress of losing their loved one willcause drama and fights between previously amicable parties.Engaging with Animal Welfare OrganizationsSUNDAY, OCTOBER 29 Research and reach out to local animal welfare organiza-, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | 11AM2PM tions, rescue groups, or no-kill shelters that offer programs forJohn Morroni Dog Parkoni Dog Parkat Rosselli Park in T e Islandpet adoption in the event of an owners death. Some organiza- in T Treasure Island (11650 Capri Circle South) tions have specific provisions to ensure pets find loving homes(11650 Capri Cirif their owners are no longer able to care for them. Keep arecordoftheorganizationsyouhavecontactedandtheirVendors have a paw-some opportunity endors h requirements and provide this information to your designatedto join us by providing a giveaway/prize.to join us by pr guardian or trustee.PLEASE CONT CONTTACTACT Consideration of Long-Term Care FacilitiesParks & RecreationParks & Recr7277.54.547.454575, ext. 221 In situations where finding an individual guardian mightrecreation@mytreastreasureisureisland.land.org not be feasible, exploring long-term care facilities that accom-recreation@mmodate pets can be a viable option. These facilities offer a sup-portive environment for both senior citizens and their furrycompanions. Research and visit these facilities to ensure theymeet your standards of care, and include the necessary arrange-ments in your end-of-life plans.ConclusionWhile the thought of parting from our beloved pets is adifficult one, planning for their future in case of our prematuredemise is an act of responsible pet ownership. By designating aPet Guardian, creating a Pet Trust, communicating your inten-tions, engaging with animal welfare organizations, or consider-ing long-term care facilities, you can ensure that your pets willTOTALLY PAWSOME PROM be cared for and loved just as you would have wanted. Take thetime to plan ahead, provide detailed instructions, and involvetrusted individuals to grant your furry friends the continuedSaturday, Oct. 7, 2023 happiness and security they deserve, even after youre gone. UThe Coliseum, St. Petersburg Attorney April S. Goodwin The Goodwin FirmY founded The Goodwin Firm 801 W. Bay Dr., Ste 715Join Friends of Strays for an in 2015. The firm focuses Largo, FL 3377080s prom-themed night to remember. on pets rights, pet custody, info@goodwin-firm.comOur annual gala helps our no-kill shelter ownership disputes, return of 727.316.5333save lives all year long.stolen pets, dog bite defense, Follow on Social Media:disputes with landlords GoodwinFirm on Facebookand associations, contract TheGoodwinFirm on Instagram | |FRIENDSOFSTRAYS.ORG/ disputes involving pets, Be sure to read Aprils bio ondangerous and/or aggressive WAGS2023 The Goodwin Firm website at dog violations. https://goodwin-firm.com/ser- |vice/april-s-goodwin/22 THE NEW BARKER www.TheNewBarker.com|7@DogBarStPete'