Every once in a while we receive an envelope in the mail from an attorney’s office that lets us know we have been remembered in someone’s will.  Sometimes it is a small amount of money, sometimes we are not aware of the value, sometimes it is property, and sometimes it is a sum of money that allows us to make a significant improvement in the Humane Society.  Very often when we are remembered in someone’s will, the reason why the donor chose the Humane Society of Pinellas isn’t known.  We wonder – could it have been because we provided a kind service to them or their pet?  Did they adopt from us several years ago – did that dog or cat enrich their lives so much that they wanted to give back that happiness to help some other animals?  Did we help ease their sadness when they had to put a beloved pet to sleep?  Did we send one of our pets and volunteers to visit them when they were sick in a nursing home, or did the donor just care about animals?  We may never know; but one thing we do know that each of the donors have in common is the TRUST they place in the Humane Society of Pinellas.

When you remember us in your will, either for our general operational purposes or for a specific program or renovation project, you can be assured that your intent will be honored and your money will be dedicated for the purpose you state in your will.  You can be assured that the Humane Society of Pinellas is guided by a Board of Directors that is ethical and honestly committed to the purpose of our mission – the welfare of homeless animals and the prevention of cruelty to them in our community.  You can be assured that we follow national professional standards set up by both the Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Association.  And you can be assured that we will continue to shelter and care for Pinellas’ homeless and unwanted animals and make every effort to adopt them to a new home and a loving family.  Spay or neuter surgery is included in the adoption process to reduce pet overpopulation. 

Whenever our donations, adoption fees, fundraisers or grants are not enough for us to balance our budget costs, bequests help us meet our expenses.  If a bequest doesn’t come, then we may have to reduce our services.  Your Humane Society does not want to go backwards.  We need to ‘keep on keeping on’ helping all the animals that come to us for shelter and care.  Won’t you please consider remembering the Humane Society of Pinellas in your will?  No matter the amount, small or large, it is appreciated and used wisely.  Every dollar stays in Pinellas County and is used to help our animals.  Your attorney, tax consultant or financial advisor can give you specific ways that you can benefit by remembering the Humane Society of Pinellas while you are living and how best you can remember the animals in your estate planning.  You may also call me for an appointment to discuss your intentions regarding remembering the Humane Society of Pinellas in your will.  Your wishes for confidentiality will be honored. 

Barbara Snow