Owner Discussed Plans To Leave Property To Maltese Terrier With Sons

A US accountant who has given her Maltese terrier a trust fund reportedly worth $100,000 a year has revealed she has changed her will so that the beloved pet will also inherit a property in Florida.

Rose Ann Bolasny, 60, has revealed she has spoken to her two sons about the decision and they “totally understood” the plans.

Mrs Bolasny describes the pet, which as well as having a trust fund has a double bed and is fed steak for dinner, as a “gift from God”.

Explaining her decision on the will, she told the Daily Mail: “Prior to doing it I discussed having Bella Mia included in the trust fund with my sons and they totally understood.

“I explained to them that I know they love Bella Mia very much but I wanted to make sure that if anything happens to us she was taken care in the way that she's used to.”

Expert Opinion

While many might view this situation as fairly eccentric to say the least, it should be remembered that a very large number of people do choose to leave gifts to pets in their wills. It is not uncommon for a pet to get under an owner’s skin and, subsequently, for the latter to want to recognise the loyalty they get from a beloved dog or other animal. <br/> <br/>"However, it should be remembered that the decision to leave a gift to a pet should be taken with absolute care, particularly as such issues can lead to conflict among friends and relatives who may stand to not receive what they believe they are entitled to. <br/> <br/>"It is always important for someone preparing a will to talk about the decisions being made and ensure their loved ones understand why they have taken each step. On the flipside, relatives and friends should talk to those who are keen to leave their pet a gift to determine whether it is the right course of action and whether there could be alternatives. <br/> <br/>"For instance, the primary concern to those drafting the will may be the welfare of the pet, so they may be open to the idea of leaving a gift to someone who agrees to take responsibility for the animal. <br/> <br/>"Ultimately, if everything is taken into account, everyone will be happy with the decisions which are made. However, if there are concerns regarding such decisions, relatives may have a chance to launch a legal claim to gain possession of assets or property under the Inheritance Act 1975." Paula Myers - Partner