It’s something that we all worry about. What if we die and leave our pets behind?
In 2012, CatTime reported on Boots, a perfectly healthy cat, who was to be put down in the case of her owner’s untimely death, as specified in the human’s will. The cat was spared the needle, and ended up at the Cats-Are-Purrsons-Too no-kill animal shelter.
A similar incident occurred recently, this time involving a dog.
Connie Lay, who died on November 25, wished that her German Shepherd, Bela, be sent to Best Friends Animal Sanctuaryin Utah. Lay wanted her beloved dog to be in a place that would tend to Bela’s needs and give the animal the best care available.
If the Best Friends option would not happen, Lay, a resident of Aurora, Indiana, insisted in her will Bela be euthanized, cremated, and buried with her.
Lay’s attorney was concerned that when Lay died, no one would enter her house because they were afraid that Bela would attack. A local veterinarian recommended Bela be put down. Fortunately, Bela’s story spread on social media, including Facebook’s SaveBela page.
It was the day before Christmas that the staff at Best Friends Animal Societygot the news that Bela would be at their Sanctuary. She was held at PAWS of Dearborn County Humane Centerin Lawrenceburg, Ind.
She was originally expected to be at the Sanctuary by Christmas day, but with flight delays and a winter storm, Bela will be able to celebrate the New Year with the staff and volunteers at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.
Francis Battista, co-founder of Best Friends Animal Society, wrote on his blog, that when Bela gets here, they will celebrate with “holiday treats, toys, and love.”
Battista also notes, “Over the last few days we have learned more about Bela from the deceased’s attorney and friends. Bela has a history of intermittent aggression and his owner, Connie Ley was concerned about the appropriate care and management of him after her death given Bela’s special needs.
“At Best Friends, we believe that the life of every animal has intrinsic value and we will always do our level best to help Save Them All, which is at the core of our mission. Our trainers and animal behavior specialists will work with Bela so that he will have every opportunity to enjoy a full and rich life. Of all those party to the unfolding events following Connie Ley’s passing, Bela has experienced the trauma of losing his life-long companion and his home. Our first priority is to do everything we can to make Bela’s life whole once again in keeping with Connie Ley’s wishes for her beloved dog.”
It looks like 2015 will be a great year for Bela.
Sources: WCPO, Fox 8, Best Friends Animal Society
