January 3, 2008

MARYLAND – Three Hagerstown, Md. dogs are the benefactors of an $800,000 inheritance left by their owner, who recently passed away.

Buckshot, Katie and Obu-Jet had been strays before they came into Ken Kemper's life. It was that fact that enticed him to bring the dogs into his home. To ensure they stayed off the streets when he died, Kemper set up a trust fund.

Last year, Mr. Kemper passed away. As per the arrangements of his trust the dogs will live full, happy lives thanks to the funds he set aside, and the people he arranged to care for them.

Their former owner left behind $400,000 and a home valued at the same amount, leaving a grand total of $800,000. That's far more than these pooches could hope to spend, but friend and in-home caretaker Roy Grady says they're worth it.

The beagle and two Labrador mixes won't have any shortage of space to romp at Kemper's home – and their health-care is top notch too. Grady says every Friday he treats them to a spaghetti and meatball dinner, complete with garlic bread.

Karin Anderson, the executor of Kemper's estate, said if there is anything left after the dogs pass, it will be donated to an animal-related charity. Friends say donating the remaining funds is what Kemper would have wanted.

Kemper, an employee for Voice of America, was known to bring home strays now and then. And although the amount pales in comparison to what Leona Helmsley's left her dog, we still think it's a good thing that the trend is becoming more common.

Do you plan to leave money for your pets? What will you do to safeguard your pets if they outlive you?

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