Inside My Estate Plan: Love That Lives On Through Animal Welfare

Our Inside My Estate Plan series highlights the personal, heartfelt stories behind the charitable gifts our members choose to leave through their wills or trusts. These stories help illuminate the values driving each decision — the relationships, memories, and passions that shape a legacy.

Today, we share the story of Jenn D., whose devotion to animals — and to her beloved cat Lucky — inspired her to support organizations dedicated to rescue, protection, and second chances.

Why Jenn Chose These Animal Organizations

Jenn has always held a deep love for animals, and her choices reflect a lifetime of companionship, care, and advocacy. “All animals deserve a loving home,” she shared, explaining why she included three organizations in her estate plan: the Hawaiian Humane Society, Nashville Humane Association, and Animal Rescue Corps.

The Hawaiian Humane Society holds profound personal meaning for her. While living in Hawai‘i, she adopted Lucky, a cat who became her companion for more than 15 years. Lucky’s presence shaped Jenn’s daily life, routines, and memories. “I feel that my donation will honor her legacy while helping many island animals in need,” she said, imagining her gift as a tribute to their bond.

After Lucky’s passing, Jenn moved to Nashville and began fostering cats through the Nashville Humane Association. Pouring her heart into fostering became a healing experience. Every cat she cared for eventually found its forever home, and she’s certain Lucky played a part in that journey. “All of my fosters have been happily placed after their time with me came to an end,” she said. “I know Lucky is watching over me and smiling.”

Jenn also chose to support Animal Rescue Corps, an organization whose work deeply resonates with her. She has seen how many animals suffer from abuse or neglect, and she is consistently inspired by ARC’s commitment to rescuing animals from dire situations across the country. “It amazes me at how many animals are suffering in abusive and neglectful environments,” she shared. “ARC is constantly stepping in to rescue these animals in distress all over the country.”

Together, these three organizations represent the chapters of Jenn’s life, the animals who shaped her journey, and the compassion she hopes to extend far into the future.

About the Nonprofits Jenn Supports

Hawaiian Humane Society in Honolulu advocates for animal welfare through rescue services, adoption programs, community outreach, and medical care for pets across O‘ahu.
Learn more: https://hawaiianhumane.org

Nashville Humane Association is one of Tennessee’s most recognized shelters, offering adoption services, foster programs, and daily care that brings animals one step closer to loving homes.
Learn more: https://nashvillehumane.org

Animal Rescue Corps responds to large-scale cruelty cases nationwide, rescuing animals from abuse, neglect, hoarding, and trafficking situations. Their work brings safety and healing to animals who might otherwise never get a second chance.
Learn more: https://animalrescuecorps.org

The Impact Jenn Hopes Her Gift Will Make

Jenn hopes her contribution ensures these organizations can continue protecting animals long after she is gone. She imagines her gift helping a frightened cat find safety, a mistreated dog receive medical care, or an abused animal experience love for the first time.

“I hope my donation will allow them to continue this important task while bringing awareness to the growing problem of animal cruelty,” she said. Her legacy is grounded in empathy — a continuation of the quiet, steady love she has shown animals her whole life.

How Jenn’s Story Reflects Her Values

Jenn’s estate plan is a reflection of her heart: gentle, loyal, and full of compassion. Lucky’s memory lives on in the generosity she extends to countless other animals in need. Her story is a reminder that even the simplest acts of care — adopting a cat, fostering kittens, supporting rescues — can shape a legacy that endures long after we’re gone.

A Final Note — And How You Can Make an Impact Too

If you have a nonprofit or cause you care about, Trust & Will makes it simple to include charitable giving in your estate plan — whether through a will or trust.

Start your plan today:

• Start your will

• Start your trust

If you're a nonprofit interested in partnering with Trust & Will, visit:
https://trustandwill.com/professionals/nonprofits