My mother, who died 20 years ago, mentioned her dog in her will, asking that her beloved companion be put to sleep in a humane way when she died. I was shocked when she told me that's what she wanted, but she said she was aware of too many situations were pets were never well cared for after the death of their people. I would have taken her dog, but could not afford to buy a house and could not find an apartment that would allow pets without more of a deposit than I could afford. So I understood.