Include a gift in your Will

People choose to include a gift in their Will to The Lost Dogs’ Home for many different reasons or perhaps that should be for many different cats and dogs.

What these special people have in common is an appreciation of loving an animal and being loved unconditionally by them in return.

Below you will read about some of the kind people who have made the big-hearted decision to remember the Home in their Will by including a bequest.

Jane is thankful to have had loving animals in her life.

Between her work, a tight-knit family and wide circle of friends, Jane leads a busy life. But she says it just wouldn’t be the same without having animals to share it with her.

“I can’t imagine not having pets in my home. They’re so entertaining and genuinely uplifting to be around. Having someone to greet you when you come home from work is simply a wonderful feeling.”

Jane currently shares her home with her two dogs (Peggy and Harvey), both of whom were adopted from the Home. She says the animals in her life seem to have a ‘sixth sense’ about when she needs a little extra companionship and affection.

“I had an operation a few years back and my rehabilitation involved sitting at home with my leg elevated. Bessie, my dog at the time, just knew something wasn’t right and would come and sit patiently with me, which was very comforting and reassuring.”

Jane chose to remember The Lost Dogs’ Home in her Will in appreciation of the beautiful, caring relationships she has enjoyed with the animals in her life over the years.

“I’ve had these incredibly positive experiences with the animals in my life, and I wouldn’t have had that opportunity without The Lost Dogs’ Home. I hope my bequest gift will go some way to ensuring the Home is always here to look after lost, stray, abandoned and neglected animals.”

Barry’s house is not a home without an animal in it to love.

Dogs and cats have played a huge role in Barry’s life for as long as he can remember.

“Animals were always part of my family growing up. I can’t imagine not having one around. They bring so much unconditional love and joy.”

When Barry bought his first home with his partner Stan back in 1974, it wasn’t long before they adopted a furry new family member, Charlie, from The Lost Dogs’ Home. Since then, they have adopted three other dogs from the Home, including Barry’s current doggy companion, Buddy.

Barry says Buddy has been a source of love and companionship, particularly after Stan sadly passed away back in 2010. “Cats and dogs are the best medicine. When you’re down, they’re always there, ready to love you. They’re great company.”

Barry decided to include a gift in his Will to The Lost Dogs’ Home, in loving memory of Stan and all the cats and dogs that brought so much love and happiness into their lives.

“I hope that, when the time comes, the bequest gift in my Will allows the Home to continue its marvellous animal welfare work.”

Amy wanted to continue caring for animals after she was gone.

Amy was amongst one of The Lost Dogs’ Home’s most dedicated supporters. She started donating to the Home in the 1980s and continued supporting it for the rest of her life. During that time, her kindness and gifts touched the lives of thousands of lost animals.

Caring for others was in Amy’s nature. She spent her working life caring for new mothers and babies as a nurse in charge of the midwifery ward at Footscray Hospital.

Amy was also very passionate about the well-being of stray and abandoned cats and dogs. It was a passion inspired by the love of her own faithful cat, Buttons, who was a much-loved companion in her later years. Buttons provided her with much-needed comfort, warmth and friendship.

Amy chose to remember the Home in her Will by including a bequest gift to give future generations of lost animals the opportunity to be loved, and to love in return.

Lee wants to honour the memory of her loyal companion, Harry.

Lee wasn’t planning on adopting a dog when she first met Harry at The Lost Dogs’ Home.

 “I looked at him and he looked at me, and we clicked,” she says. “I had no intention of adopting a dog that day, but I came home with a Whippet!”

 Harry soon became a special member of Lee’s family, and the pair spent eight happy years together.

When Harry sadly passed away, Lee chose to honour her loyal companion by including a gift in her Will to the Home. She wanted to show her appreciation for the wonderful team at the Home that made it possible for Harry to come into her life.

“The staff at the Lost Dogs’ Home have all got such big hearts, are passionate about animals and they do a magnificent job,” she explains.

 “Harry was such a loving dog, friendly to all he met. I think that is testament to the people who work at the Home.”

Stories of inspiration

Please download a copy of our latest Annual Report here if you wish to read more heartfelt stories of dogs and cats who have received care and shelter though the generosity of The Lost Dogs’ Home bequest supporters and our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

We hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the animal lovers who have chosen to support The Lost Dogs’ Home in this special way – and the cats and dogs who have inspired such kindness.

If including a bequest gift for the love of animals in your Will is something you might think about doing yourself, please get in touch with Ross in our friendly Gifts in Wills Team on (03) 8379 4496 or email him with any questions you might have at wills@dogshome.com

 Thank you for thinking about giving the kind gift of being loved, and loving in return to lost and abandoned cats and dogs.

It’s so easy to remember the Home in your Will.

Please discuss your wishes with your loved ones and then just ask your solicitor to include a bequest gift to The Lost Dogs’ Home (ABN 84 004 789 726) in your Will.

To find out just how easy it is to let your love of animals live on, please click here.

Contact us

If you’d prefer to speak with someone on our team about leaving a gift in your Will please contact Ross in our friendly Gifts in Wills Team on (03) 8379 4496 or email him with any questions you might have at wills@dogshome.com