I recently had a difficult conversation with a close friend about life and death. What started as lighthearted banter about the “rules” of our funerals (no black clothing or cut flowers, lots of glitter, and possibly even a stand-up comedian to give my eulogy) quickly transformed into a deep examination of what other instructions each wanted to leave the other in charge of carrying out. The word that rang loudly in my head when we parted was “legacy.” We both wanted to ensure the other would look after our individual legacy.

For each of us, the concept of our legacies meant something different. Her children and family are a big factor in her legacy, as well as her volunteer work at a local nonprofit. My causes and work are a big factor in mine, rooted in my deep love for this community. In both cases, we spoke of our wishes to ensure they are provided for and protected long after we are gone.

As I have watched dear friends and family members go through the devastating experiences of battling cancer, losing loved ones to violence and the frequent reminders of our mortality, I have spent a lot of time thinking about what comes next. I have realized one thing: The only control I have over what happens when I am gone is what I put in place now. I sat down for the first time to contemplate my will, to designate beneficiaries, and to make plans for my animals after I am gone.

I admit I did not fully understand what legacy giving meant until I started at Roice-Hurst Humane Society and saw the impact of gifts left by generous and loving people in their end-of-life plans. I quickly witnessed the power of these gifts to continue caring for animals when that person was no longer here to do so. That is the true meaning of legacy.

At Roice-Hurst Humane Society, we created a charitable endowment fund last year to support our community’s animals in perpetuity and open a new avenue for legacy giving to the shelter. Your contribution to this fund gives year after year, long after you are no longer here to support the shelter. It provides the organization a permanent source of funding while allowing you to leave a true legacy through your giving.

When I think about my personal legacy, I want to make sure the organizations and causes I support today are a part of it, and that those causes carry my legacy far beyond my memory. Consider joining me in including Roice-Hurst in your will and estate plans, ensuring the care of thousands of animals to come.

For the past five decades, Roice-Hurst, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, has saved and re-homed thousands of cats and dogs. By remembering Roice-Hurst in your will or other estate planning, you can change the lives of homeless pets forever. You’ll be leaving a life-saving legacy and paving the way for the next generation of kindness to animals.

For more information, call 434-7337 or visit www.rhhumanesociety.org.