According to the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, situations like this do happen, but a new trend is beginning: Seniors are beginning to think about their pets when it comes to estate planning. Lisa Radloff, vice president of adoption and education services at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, encourages seniors (and all pet owners) to talk to their family attorney regarding trusts that can be set aside to take care of their pets in the event that their pets outlive them.

"A pet is a family member for life," says Radloff. "You have to plan for the pet's care just as you would a spouse or your children." Radloff explains that the amount of money set apart for a pet varies depending on the species and the level of care that you would want for an animal. "Obviously, a bunny would have different needs than a large dog," says Radloff, who explains that the age of an animal is also a factor in determining how long it will need care.

Radloff says that some people who do not have children end up allowing their pets to become like children to them and they end up being tremendously pampered. She explains that designer leashes and beds have become a whole new industry and should be considered if this is the lifestyle that people would want their pets to have in the event of their death.

Bonnie Grogan, owner of The Pet Spa in Los Gatos, has seen firsthand pet owners who leave trust funds to help take care of their pets and how it helps. "We had a woman with a terminal illness who left a trust fund to help with her pets' grooming costs," says Grogan. California is one of the first states to recognize trusts set up to help with a pet's care, says Grogan. "There are a lot of costs to consider," says Grogan, referring to vet bills, grooming, boarding fees and food. "A dog can live for 15 or 16 years, and the owner needs to consider how that will be paid for." Grogan explains that naming a person to see to the care of both the money and the pet should be well thought out to ensure it is someone that you trust explicitly to carry out your wishes.

Grogan also encourages seniors to think out the details of the type of care that an owner wants their pet to receive and to specify it in writing. She encourages pet owners to think about the details of the pet's care, such as whether they want a pet to be cremated or buried and how they want it to be cared for while it is alive. Grogan encourages people with pets to talk to their family attorneys to work out the details of their particular pet arrangements and to ensure that it is done with the proper legal work.

Attorney Jason Guetzkow is one such lawyer who has experience in this area. "While leaving money to provide for the care of animals might not be right for everyone, more and more pet lovers have been designing their estate plans to protect their pets," explains Guetzkow.

Studies show that owning a pet helps reduce stress and also increases longevity and well-being, but few people think about how they will reward their pet's loyalty after they are gone. If Blacky and Billy's owner had thought of this, they might be in a permanent home without the stress of abandonment and the possibility of euthanasia. As of today, they are still available for adoption.