A week ago I never heard of (or thought about) meat proteins being "raised" in a lab. Since then, like Dr. Khuly, I've been exposed to the idea a few times. First at the Asset Protection program I attended in California for cryonicists and then again on NPR. As a vegetarian, the idea is appealing to me. No more inhumane slaughtering of animals. Now, Dr. Khuly raises the idea of using these products, including insects, for the purpose of feeding our pets. Food for thought....
Stay tuned on this subject as I suspect I'll have more to say coming up.
Alternative Proteins for Pet Foods: Of Insects, Worms and Lab Raised Meats | petMD
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Dying Intestate - Who Will Get the Snakes, Lizards and Crocodiles?
I am a huge supporter of people planning for their pets. In fact, 100% of my clients do something for their pets - from leaving them to a friend or relative to creating a pet trust funded with sufficient assets to care for the pet for the remainder of its life. Dying without a will (intestate) means your state of residence will determine by its intestacy statutes, what happens to your property. If you are a single person with no children, then parents or siblings become your heirs. If you don't have those, then you can see the situation gets more complicated. It's irresponsible to have pets without having a plan for what happens to them if something happens to you. This includes a disaster plan in the event of a natural disaster like a hurricane, earthquake or tornado as well as a plan for what happens if you become injured, disabled or die. You can always learn more by attending one of our workshops at The Law Offices of Hoyt & Bryan or reading "All My Children Wear Fur Coats - How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet."
Dying Intestate - Who Will Get the Snakes, Lizards and Crocodiles?
Dying Intestate - Who Will Get the Snakes, Lizards and Crocodiles?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Center for Animal Advocacy - an introduction
Central Florida has a new law firm, one devoted entirely to animal law issues. The Center for Animal Advocacy was created to meet a need, the need for quality legal representation for pet owners faced with a variety of potential legal challenges. The field of animal law is extensive. In fact, animal related issues cross every legal topic from constitutional issues related to standing and first amendment rights to criminal law for cruelty and domestic violence to landlord-tenant issues. And that's just the beginning. There are Pet Lemon Law issues, dangerous dog statutes, homeowner liability for dog bites, pet custody issues. I can go on. There are administrative law issues such as leash laws, entertainment law issues like circuses, federal endangered species violations, contract issues such as boarding or leasing, equine law issues specific to horse owners such as liability protection statutes. There is breed specific legislation, dog fighting concerns, and animal protection laws, with an increasing frequency.
I taught Animal Law for two semesters at Barry University School of Law. The course was both fascinating and exhilarating. The students were passionate about the subject and their respective beliefs about animal rights. We all learned something valuable, primarily that the need for competent legal counsel in the area of Animal Law is growing. Both Barry University and Florida A & M University have student chapters of the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF).
I frequently get asked for recommendations to an attorney who can handle veterinary malpractice issues. Yet, I don't really know of anyone in Central Florida actively promoting an interest in taking these kinds of cases. I even tried to develop some referral sources but wasn't getting a very enthusiastic response. It's a tough practice area because the law is still evolving and recoveries are limited, while the subject matter is emotionally charged.
My expertise is in estate planning including pet trust planning, not litigation. That's why when I met Kim Radcliffe, an experienced litigator with significant experience and a passion for pets, an idea started to form. A few days later Casey Taylor, another pet enthusiast, Barry Law graduate and one of my former Animal Law students needed a place to focus her energies that the idea came full circle. There was no reason why the three of us couldn't make this happen and serve the legal needs of Central Florida pet loving community.
We are open for business. Our office is virtual, our commitment to pets unwavering. You can learn more about us and sign up for our blog at CenterforAnimalAdvocacy.com or follow us on Twitter at @PetLawyers. We also have a Facebook fan page and a company page on LinkedIn. We look forward to talking to you!
I taught Animal Law for two semesters at Barry University School of Law. The course was both fascinating and exhilarating. The students were passionate about the subject and their respective beliefs about animal rights. We all learned something valuable, primarily that the need for competent legal counsel in the area of Animal Law is growing. Both Barry University and Florida A & M University have student chapters of the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF).
I frequently get asked for recommendations to an attorney who can handle veterinary malpractice issues. Yet, I don't really know of anyone in Central Florida actively promoting an interest in taking these kinds of cases. I even tried to develop some referral sources but wasn't getting a very enthusiastic response. It's a tough practice area because the law is still evolving and recoveries are limited, while the subject matter is emotionally charged.
My expertise is in estate planning including pet trust planning, not litigation. That's why when I met Kim Radcliffe, an experienced litigator with significant experience and a passion for pets, an idea started to form. A few days later Casey Taylor, another pet enthusiast, Barry Law graduate and one of my former Animal Law students needed a place to focus her energies that the idea came full circle. There was no reason why the three of us couldn't make this happen and serve the legal needs of Central Florida pet loving community.
We are open for business. Our office is virtual, our commitment to pets unwavering. You can learn more about us and sign up for our blog at CenterforAnimalAdvocacy.com or follow us on Twitter at @PetLawyers. We also have a Facebook fan page and a company page on LinkedIn. We look forward to talking to you!
You meet the most interesting people
I've just attended the annual meeting of the Asset Protection Group, a gathering of unique individuals committed to the ideal of cryonic preservation while protecting their wealth into an unknown future. There were numerous presentations throughout the day including topics such as the introduction of Alcor's model Wealth Preservation Trust, Neural Cryobiology and the Legal Recognition of Cryonics, and the Medico-Legal Need for a Cryonics Friendly Autopsy. I presented on the topic of Personal Revival Trusts and choice of law considerations.
Cryonicists have all the same needs for a comprehensive estate plan with a few interesting twists. Once legal death occurs and they enter a cryopreserved state, their future is uncertain. Today, we don't yet have the technology to reanimate a human being so we don't know how future laws will acknowledge their future "undead" status. We suspect even the definition of "dead" may have to change for these individuals, much the same as there has been legal recognition for the rights of frozen embryos.
There are lots of other concerns, particularly as a person ages and may experience a brain deteriorating disorder. Prolonged disease may result in irreversible damage. As a result, The selection of health care surrogates becomes paramount. Securing assistance from cryo-friendly comrades may mean the difference between an optimal preservation and one that has a limited chance of future success. A traditional Living Will doesn't work for the cryonicist either because life-prolonging procedures need to be maintained but only until the preservation team arrives. Invasive autopsy procedures, along with improper cooling and bureaucratic delays call for an alternate autopsy protocol recognizing the importance of swift action or an ability to avoid autopsy all together. The Society for Venturism provides a "religious objection to autopsy" and accompanying picture identification card for those who support the ideals of the organization and have made prior cryonics arrangements.
A Personal Revival Trust or wealth preservation trust is necessary if assets are going to be preserved for future use. Attention must be paid to important legal details like choice of law, the rule against perpetuities and estate tax concerns. The choice of trustee and trust advisors or protectors is also an important concern. Corporate trustees are an optimal choice on the theory they have a perpetual life. Also critical are the people who will provide oversight and guidance to the activities of the trustee as well as to the interim distribution of assets toward ongoing cryonic research dedicated to unlocking the secret of reanimation. If family members are not supportive of the cryonicists goals, irreversible consequences may be experienced from attempts to terminate the trust to failure to honor the preservation request of the "deceased".
Orville Richardson had his preservation jeopardized despite his prepayment and prearrangements with the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, Inc. At death his family had him embalmed and buried! It wasn't until the family contacted Alcor for a refund of the prepaid arrangements that this terrible result was discovered. After significant litigation reaching the Supreme Court of Illinois, Mr. Richardson was exhumed and cryopreserved. But to what result? Certainly these are devastating facts to an optimal preservation. His family didn't embrace his wishes and he didn't have a plan in place to ensure they were honored.
Suggestions for overcoming a hostile family or friends include not only making pre-arrangements with a cryonics provider but carefully documenting your wishes along with carefully selecting those individuals who may have an influence on handling important near death details. Adding an in terrorem or no contest clause along with alternative dispute resolutions may also provide a deterrent to hostile intervention. Monetary incentives might also be considered to encourage close monitoring and a timely preservation. Careful consideration needs to be given to properly funding your chosen estate plan including the retitling of assets and the designation of beneficiaries.
The future is here. Cryonics is no longer simply a dream or the plot of a sci-fi movie. Advances are being made daily in the technology of cryonics and nanotechnology. The law is evolving to consider new definitions of life and death. The cost of preservation is not out of reach and reserved only for the ultra wealthy. Life insurance products are available to address the cost of preservation and ensuring sufficient wealth is available both for current family needs and future wealth accumulation. Rudi Hoffman, CFP has more know-how in this area than anyone else in the world as the leading cryonics insurance provider.
Cryopreservation is not for everyone. Some of us remain content with the permanence of death and a promise of a heavenly future. That's what makes America a great place to live. We can celebrate our eccentricities while acknowledging our right to choose. You meet the most interesting people that way.
"Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Cryonicists have all the same needs for a comprehensive estate plan with a few interesting twists. Once legal death occurs and they enter a cryopreserved state, their future is uncertain. Today, we don't yet have the technology to reanimate a human being so we don't know how future laws will acknowledge their future "undead" status. We suspect even the definition of "dead" may have to change for these individuals, much the same as there has been legal recognition for the rights of frozen embryos.
There are lots of other concerns, particularly as a person ages and may experience a brain deteriorating disorder. Prolonged disease may result in irreversible damage. As a result, The selection of health care surrogates becomes paramount. Securing assistance from cryo-friendly comrades may mean the difference between an optimal preservation and one that has a limited chance of future success. A traditional Living Will doesn't work for the cryonicist either because life-prolonging procedures need to be maintained but only until the preservation team arrives. Invasive autopsy procedures, along with improper cooling and bureaucratic delays call for an alternate autopsy protocol recognizing the importance of swift action or an ability to avoid autopsy all together. The Society for Venturism provides a "religious objection to autopsy" and accompanying picture identification card for those who support the ideals of the organization and have made prior cryonics arrangements.
A Personal Revival Trust or wealth preservation trust is necessary if assets are going to be preserved for future use. Attention must be paid to important legal details like choice of law, the rule against perpetuities and estate tax concerns. The choice of trustee and trust advisors or protectors is also an important concern. Corporate trustees are an optimal choice on the theory they have a perpetual life. Also critical are the people who will provide oversight and guidance to the activities of the trustee as well as to the interim distribution of assets toward ongoing cryonic research dedicated to unlocking the secret of reanimation. If family members are not supportive of the cryonicists goals, irreversible consequences may be experienced from attempts to terminate the trust to failure to honor the preservation request of the "deceased".
Orville Richardson had his preservation jeopardized despite his prepayment and prearrangements with the Alcor Life Extension Foundation, Inc. At death his family had him embalmed and buried! It wasn't until the family contacted Alcor for a refund of the prepaid arrangements that this terrible result was discovered. After significant litigation reaching the Supreme Court of Illinois, Mr. Richardson was exhumed and cryopreserved. But to what result? Certainly these are devastating facts to an optimal preservation. His family didn't embrace his wishes and he didn't have a plan in place to ensure they were honored.
Suggestions for overcoming a hostile family or friends include not only making pre-arrangements with a cryonics provider but carefully documenting your wishes along with carefully selecting those individuals who may have an influence on handling important near death details. Adding an in terrorem or no contest clause along with alternative dispute resolutions may also provide a deterrent to hostile intervention. Monetary incentives might also be considered to encourage close monitoring and a timely preservation. Careful consideration needs to be given to properly funding your chosen estate plan including the retitling of assets and the designation of beneficiaries.
The future is here. Cryonics is no longer simply a dream or the plot of a sci-fi movie. Advances are being made daily in the technology of cryonics and nanotechnology. The law is evolving to consider new definitions of life and death. The cost of preservation is not out of reach and reserved only for the ultra wealthy. Life insurance products are available to address the cost of preservation and ensuring sufficient wealth is available both for current family needs and future wealth accumulation. Rudi Hoffman, CFP has more know-how in this area than anyone else in the world as the leading cryonics insurance provider.
Cryopreservation is not for everyone. Some of us remain content with the permanence of death and a promise of a heavenly future. That's what makes America a great place to live. We can celebrate our eccentricities while acknowledging our right to choose. You meet the most interesting people that way.
"Do not go where the path may lead;
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Is It Your Veterinarian’s Responsibility to Offer You Pet Health Insurance? | petMD
I have not yet purchased veterinary insurance even though I have 3 horses, 5 dogs and 4 cats. The cost of the monthly premium to insure that many pets was over the top! So, I've had to take my chances. I have a horse with seizures to the tune of $150 per month or so in medication. Couldn't insure him anyway - he's got a pre-existing condition. Had a dog with stomach cancer - that cost about $1,800 and she died anyway. I'm not sure what the answer to this question is. If you have some words of wisdom, please share. Thanks and have a great day!
Is It Your Veterinarian’s Responsibility to Offer You Pet Health Insurance? | petMD
Is It Your Veterinarian’s Responsibility to Offer You Pet Health Insurance? | petMD
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Essential Dos and Don’ts for Twitter Users | Law Practice Management Section | Law Practice Management Section / Law Practice Magazine Board
Good article regarding social media etiquette and specifically Twitter. As you know, I am an active social media enthusiast. I think it is a great way to provide valuable information. Hope everyone is having a great day!
Essential Dos and Don’ts for Twitter Users | Law Practice Management Section | Law Practice Management Section / Law Practice Magazine Board
Essential Dos and Don’ts for Twitter Users | Law Practice Management Section | Law Practice Management Section / Law Practice Magazine Board
Do You Want to Make More Money?
As entrepreneurs we have to be intentional about our business practices. You have to have written goals in order to make your dreams come true. Check out this article by friend Jan Copley.
Do You Want to Make More Money?
Do You Want to Make More Money?
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Aging in Place Workshop - Stay at Home Longer
This is a unique workshop sponsored by The Law Offices of Hoyt and Bryan designed to educate families about the importance of adapting one's home to consider the needs of the resident as they age. If your home has the proper tools, you can extend your time living alone and safely. Please feel free to invite a friend. RSVP is required. See you there!
Attend Aging in Place Workshop
Attend Aging in Place Workshop
Monday, May 9, 2011
Kandu can do anything your dog can do!
Check out this video for a little two legged dog you has that "can do" spirit. It will warm your heart and lift your spirits. Might even make you feel bad for complaining about the little things.
Don't Ignore the Easiest Place to Find Customers
I love this article because it talks about two of the most overlooked marketing mistakes: 1. Not thanking people for their continued patronage and 2. Not realizing that it's easier to keep an existing client than it is to go and find a new one. This is one of the primary reasons that I try everyday to think of ways to stay "top of mind" with my referral sources and clients. Here are a couple of quick ideas:
1. Constant Contact E-newsletters. You can use the power of email to deliver an easy to create, easy to send reminder that you are still out there. Think of a few important things to say and send it out. I know we all get a lot of email but we still read the ones that are relevant to us.
2. SendOutCards. Send a card to thank everybody for everything! There are lots of reasons to send cards including acknowledging you are thinking about someone, sympathy, get well, thanks for the recommendation - well, you get the picture. SendOutCards is the easiest, most cost effective way to send cards. You can create a card online in just a few minutes for less than a dollar - and send it from anywhere you have access to a computer. You can even send a gift! Now, you can even send a video - how cool is that?
3. Educational workshops. The best way to introduce yourself to a prospective client or continue to build trust with an existing client is through educational workshops. Choose a relevant topic, prepare a presentation and invite away! We've done educational workshops for the whole of our career and still believe it to be the best way to communicate in person with everyone.
Keep those cards and letters coming! Have a great day.
Don't Ignore the Easiest Place to Find Customers
1. Constant Contact E-newsletters. You can use the power of email to deliver an easy to create, easy to send reminder that you are still out there. Think of a few important things to say and send it out. I know we all get a lot of email but we still read the ones that are relevant to us.
2. SendOutCards. Send a card to thank everybody for everything! There are lots of reasons to send cards including acknowledging you are thinking about someone, sympathy, get well, thanks for the recommendation - well, you get the picture. SendOutCards is the easiest, most cost effective way to send cards. You can create a card online in just a few minutes for less than a dollar - and send it from anywhere you have access to a computer. You can even send a gift! Now, you can even send a video - how cool is that?
3. Educational workshops. The best way to introduce yourself to a prospective client or continue to build trust with an existing client is through educational workshops. Choose a relevant topic, prepare a presentation and invite away! We've done educational workshops for the whole of our career and still believe it to be the best way to communicate in person with everyone.
Keep those cards and letters coming! Have a great day.
Don't Ignore the Easiest Place to Find Customers
Do Pets Need to Share in the Death of Another? | petMD
This is a question I've pondered myself. I think some pets do need to acknowledge the loss of a loved friend. This may be particularly true for horses. My dogs don't seem to mind when one dog goes off for the day. Sure, they are happy to see the dog return, but they don't grieve when they are gone. On the other hand, all horse owners have experienced the anxiety displayed by a horse left at home. Take one out for a ride, leave the other at home. The one at home will whinny its heart out calling to the other. As herd based animals perhaps their attachment to one another is stronger. My vet recommended recently that if one of my horses were to die, it would be a good idea too allow the others to acknowledge the death before burying the horse. That way they get to know what has happened to their friend. I'm going to go with "Yes" on this one. Pets should share in the loss of a companion pet.
Do Pets Need to Share in the Death of Another? | petMD
Do Pets Need to Share in the Death of Another? | petMD
Friday, May 6, 2011
Elite dog and 79 Navy SEAL commandos take down Bin Laden - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com
A big thank you to our human soldiers everywhere and to the canine soldiers who stand next to them.
Elite dog and 79 Navy SEAL commandos take down Bin Laden - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com
Elite dog and 79 Navy SEAL commandos take down Bin Laden - National Dog Rescue | Examiner.com
Thursday, May 5, 2011
What’s in a Name?
This is an article I wrote for WealthCounsel after getting really ticked off the other day for misspelled names. I'm not saying I'm perfect, but this is an area we all need to pay more attention to.
What’s in a Name?
What’s in a Name?
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