A local business and non-profit team up with a plan designed to provide you the security of knowing that your dog(s) will be cared for should you precede them in death. Top Dog Foundation, a 501©(3) non profit providing a “Second Act” for “elderpups”, and Top Dog Country Club, a world-renowned vacation club for dogs with a 23 year history, have collaborated on a program, “Dogs & Angels”; addressing the desire for people to plan for the care of their dogs, in the event of an untimely death.
“Dogs & Angels” was created at the request of several of my clients that wanted to continue to enjoy the company of dogs in their later years, but wanted to ensure a great life if their dogs outlive them”, says Jean Stelten-Beuning, owner of Top Dog Country Club and founder of Top Dog Foundation.
Top Dog Foundation provides a loving and permanent home for dogs that are deemed “un-adoptable” because of age and health; that would otherwise be unnecessarily euthanized. It is not a shelter but a “Top Dog Country Club-style” home for senior dogs that have no other options. Think “super hip” senior living for dogs. “Some come to us when owners pass away or move to assisted living; others from shelters and rescue groups; and still others have been abandoned”, says Jean.
This facility . . . Bentley’s Place, will include a veterinary clinic, hydrotherapy, ultra-sound therapy, outdoor / indoor parks, a training center and crematory. These services, for both residents and the general public, will provide ongoing operating revenue to care for these senior dogs.
Top Dog Foundation is funded completely through private donations. We are seeking angel donors, corporate sponsorship, and estate plans to make Bentley’s Place a reality. “We have the property use donated. We have the construction plans and zoning approved. Now we just need the capital to make this first-ever facility a reality”, says Jean.
Better late than never; Minnesota became the last state in the union to adopt an animal trust law; statute 501C.0408. While Minnesotans have always been able to leave money in their wills with instructions for the care of pets, those instructions have been unenforceable. With this law’s passing, pet parents can rest in peace, knowing that their “fur kids” will be cared for according to their specific wishes.
For more information on “Dogs & Angel”, Top Dog Foundation and Top Dog Country Club, contact Jean@topdogfoundation.org, www.topdogfoundation.org, jean@topdogcountryclub.com, www.topdogcountryclub.com.
Jean Stelten
“Lead Dog”
Top Dog Country Club
