Legacy donor Anita Beyer supports program to help hospice patients plan for their pets’ futures

 Anita Beyer, a resident in Salem, Oregon, created a legacy gift for Banfield Charitable Trust in 2009 in support of Pet Peace of Mind^®, our program to help hospice patients keep their pets with them during the end-of-life journey and plan for their pets well-being once they’re gone. Here, Anita talks about how pets have helped her through her own experience facing a loved one’s death, and her commitment to help others even after she’s gone.

Tell us about the current pet(s) in your life and how you’ve benefited from having pets over the years.

Sadie

We currently have two cats in our lives (or we are in theirs, as we all know nobody “owns” a cat).  We have one that is nearly 18 years old (the matriarch), and one that is nearly five years old (the neurotic).  I could not survive without a cat, and love dogs, too, but with our lifestyle, a dog is just not appropriate right now.  We believe in fairness to the animals.  We cherish the unconditional love a pet provides, and just have to have something to pet and snuggle. My husband was not raised with pets like I was, but he has learned that they are such a benefit to the warmth and love that fills a home. 

As a donor, what are you looking for in an organization or program in making your decision to give?

As a donor, we look for organizations that speak to our hearts.  Having had cancer touch my family in such a direct way, our philanthropy tends to go to organizations that we believe can be a help and support during such a trying time.

What about Pet Peace of Mind inspired you to want to leave a legacy gift for that program?

Tesse

My previous husband died at a young age from non-Hodgkins lymphoma.  At the time we had a dog and three cats—my salvation during the ordeal—but it has made me think a lot about what would happen to my beloved pets if something happened to both my husband and me.  I could not deal with the thought of them going to a shelter and nobody needs that added stress during an ordeal.  I know shelters do the best they can, but I want someone there who understands the added stress of providing for a beloved pet during such a time.  This program will help, not only during the illness, but would work hard to provide a good home for my pets.

For donors who think about how they can make a lasting impact but have yet to consider planned giving, what would you say to encourage them to plan?

Illness and death have touched our family in far too many ways and it comes, sometimes, without warning.  My previous husband was not prepared when the cancer took him, and so I could only guess what his wishes were.  I made up my mind that there would be no doubt as where our money should go if something expected or unexpected happened.  We want our passions supported long after we can physically no longer be here to help.  The need is great, and how wonderful to think we are still helping, even if we are no longer here.

Anything else you would like to add? 

We recently updated our wills, and we cannot tell you the “peace of mind” we have knowing that in our wills, there is a home and financial support for my pets.  I feel very fortunate to be in a place that we can monetarily provide for them until their end of life.  But I know there are many that cannot, and who knows what life may throw at us.  We are so glad to help somebody else that may have that need but cannot provide for it.  The thought of abandoned, loved pets is heart breaking and this is our small part to help make sure that does not happen.