Planning for the Paws: How This Dog Mom Is Helping Texas A&M With Her Home

I was constantly traveling for work, sometimes gone for weeks at a time. One day, I wondered what would happen if I was in an accident and my dogs were left behind. My dogs are my children, so I didn’t want them to end up in a shelter. They’re all rescues, and I couldn’t bear the thought of them being rescued again or put down, so I began researching places they could live if something catastrophic were to happen. I visited the Stevenson Center and absolutely loved it. It felt like the perfect place for them, and it gave me peace of mind knowing they’d be taken care of. 

As I was putting together my will, the only thing I hadn’t quite figured out was my house. I asked Ellie Greenbaum, the Stevenson Center’s associate director, if they accepted real estate gifts, and she directed me to the Texas A&M Foundation. It felt like a natural step. I found a way to ensure my dogs would be cared for while also supporting the center in a meaningful way.

I first learned about TODDs after a friend of mine created one. When I met with the Foundation’s real estate services team, I told them I wanted two things: no probate and a deed that I could revoke if needed. My TODD eliminates the need for an executor required for a will or a trustee required for a living trust, so my house will transfer directly to the Foundation once they have my death certificate. I don’t want any time-consuming transfer processes hanging over things, and I prefer that the money that would go to lawyers and judges be used to help the center instead. Another reason I chose the TODD was its flexibility. At my age, uncertainty is part of the package. I like that if I decide to sell my house and move to a retirement community, or if I need the funds for something unexpected, I can do that without complication.

They’re all wonderful. Everyone is so responsive no matter who I reach out to. They make my life easier and help me sleep better at night knowing there’s a team ready to step in if I face any issues. I once had a mix-up with the ownership of my house. I called Tim Walton ’90, assistant vice president for real estate services, and he straightened everything out within an hour. That level of support is reassuring. It doesn’t feel like I’m stranded on some distant island. There are always ships around ready to help if I need something. I know everything is in place and that it’s going where I want it to, thanks to the team. 

I know I can’t take anything with me to the grave, so I want to make sure everything goes to a place where it’ll be put to good use. I’ve been very fortunate in my life, so I try to give back wherever I can. Wills and planned gifts are something I think everyone should consider sooner rather than later. The earlier you plan, the more you can ensure that the people in your life and the causes you care about are cared for.