Page 18 - Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens- July '24

Page 18, Lifestyles in Palm Beach Gardens
The Pet Cottage Post

You know The Pet Cottage serves pets
who lose their humans due to death,
disability, or deployment. But did
you know, they are also committed
to helping senior people and the
loneliness crisis many of them face?
Take Paulette, a senior with a chronic
illness that keeps her at home most of
the time.
In November of 2023, Paulette, a widow in her late 60s,
became Forever Guardian to Arya the gray tabby cat. Paulette
often sleeps late and has little energy. She was feeling lonely
and distraught. She discovered The Pet Cottage and knew this
could be a way she could share her home with a pet without
worry. Arya needed a home when her person joined the Coast
Guard and Paulette desperately needed companionship. This
was a match made in heaven.
Paulette says, “Arya gives me purpose and gets me out Cynthia, Gigi and Dr. V Claire and Dashie Girl Wendy and Zack
of bed. She makes me laugh and has made a difference in
my every waking hour. I recently had family visit and they The Pet Cottage acknowledges the loneliness and The Pet Cottage provides and covers the cost of all
noticed a huge change in my happiness and disposition.” hesitancy many senior people feel when it comes to pet medical care – routine, specialty, emergency, and even
ownership. prescription medications and preventatives – for their pets,
● What will happen to my pet if something happens to me?
forever. Forever Guardians provide food for their pet, along
It’s The Law! ● What if my pet needs medical care I can’t afford? with lots of tender love and care, of course!
● What if I am unable to care for my pet long-term?
Your guardianship commitment means pets avoid shelters
● I want a pet in my life, but need backup support just and instability and find happiness, a warm bed, and a doting
Did You Know That, In in case. companion for life.
To apply to become a Guardian visit https://www.
This is where The Pet Cottage Lifelong Guardianship
Florida … Program shines by providing seniors and people with thepetcottage.org/forever-guardian-application.
disabilities – who otherwise might not feel comfortable with The Pet Cottage is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in Jupiter
By Adam S. Gumson, full pet ownership – the opportunity to experience the joys Farms that celebrates and protects the magical relationship
Esq. of pet companionship. between people and pets. We provide homestyle care for pets
Child support for an The role of forever guardianship is essential to The Pet who lose their humans due to death, disability, or deployment.
adopted minor involves Cottage’s mission. We provide pet companionship for senior people and
financial assistance Many of The Pet Cottage pets are senior pets that have cover all veterinary expenses. We are a promise, and our
provided by one or health issues and require more resources. Their forever promise means forever. You are invited to join our pack!
both adoptive parents promise to each pet in their care means that no matter what The Pet Cottage
to ensure the well-being happens to a guardian, the pet will have a loving home. Wendy Derhak, Founder/Executive Director
and development of the Becoming a Forever Guardian is a unique opportunity Call (561) 818-5025 for more information
child. As with biological to share your heart and home with a pet and have the full www.thepetcottage.org
children, adopted minors support of The Pet Cottage.
are entitled to financial Do you feel called to open your home to a pet who has
support for their basic needs, education, healthcare, and lost their human?
overall welfare. Child support arrangements vary based
on jurisdiction and individual circumstances, but the
underlying goal remains to prioritize the best interests
of the minor child, whether biological or adopted.
A pet trust is a legal mechanism to safeguard the
interests of one’s beloved animals and provides peace of
mind to the pet owner by ensuring that his/her animals
receive proper care and attention after he/she dies. The
trust typically remains in effect for the duration of the
pet’s life and any assets that remain after the pet’s death
are distributed according to the trust’s instructions.
Guardianship advocacy plays a crucial role in
protecting the rights and interests of individuals
deemed unable to make sound decisions for themselves
due to incapacity. Advocates work within the
framework of Florida’s guardianship laws to ensure
the proper appointment of guardians and promote the
well-being of vulnerable individuals. Guardianship
advocacy aims to provide a compassionate and
supportive environment for individuals requiring
assistance in managing their affairs.
Real estate is conveyed by a deed signed by two
witnesses and a notary public and is recorded in the
county where the property is located. The deed often
contains language to confirm how the buyers desire to
take title, such as with rights of survivorship or perhaps
to own a specific percentage with another owner. Any
buyer should make sure that he/she speaks to the title
agent before the closing to confirm how he/she wishes
to take title.
Jupiter Law Center is a private neighborhood law
firm located in the RiverPlace Professional Center,
1003 W. Indiantown Road, Suite 210, Jupiter, Fla.,
(561) 744 - 4600, jupiterlawcenter.com. The firm
provides peace of mind by solving problems with
integrity and compassion in the areas of estate and
business planning, probate, guardianship and trust
administration, probate and guardianship for personal
injury firms, family law and real estate.