Babe's Story: Planning Ahead for the Pets We Love
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Grief doesn’t always look like sadness. Sometimes, it looks like hissing. Like swatting. Like lashing out.
Babe spent most of her life with the same person—and she adored her owner. When that person passed away, Babe’s world turned upside down. At 8 years old, she suddenly found herself in an unfamiliar place, surrounded by strangers. At first, her grief came out as anger. But little by little, she's learning to accept her grief. Her walls have started to come down, and she is learning to love our staff and volunteers who show her it's going to be okay.
Through it all, one thing has been clear: Babe was deeply loved. Her person had enrolled her in Friends of Strays’ Pet Guardianship Program, ensuring that when the time came, Babe would come directly into our care. She has never been abandoned—because her owner planned ahead.
Responsibility That Lasts a Lifetime
Owning a pet means providing love, safety, and care every single day. But it also means preparing for the “what ifs.” What would happen to your pet if something happened to you? Without a plan, too many animals are left facing uncertainty and heartbreak on top of their grief.
That’s why we created our Pet Guardianship Program. When you enroll your pet, you leave a gift to Friends of Strays in your estate. In return, we promise to welcome your beloved companion into our care when the time comes, and help them find a new loving home.
Love Beyond a Lifetime
Babe’s story is a reminder: responsibility to our pets doesn’t end with us. Planning ahead is one of the most compassionate choices we can make. It ensures our pets are never left alone, and that the love we give them continues long after we’re gone.
To learn more about enrolling in our Pet Guardianship Program, click here or contact our Director of Development, Karen, at 727-522-6566 ext 114 or karen@friendsofstrays.org. Because love should never end—it should carry on in wagging tails, gentle purrs, and safe new beginnings.
