Ephemera: The End Game

This Dog Attended Hundreds of Parties

Egg Anticipating the Huge Halloween Party of 2021

Yesterday, When Mike & I Were Faced with

Egg’s demise from aspirating food, the veterinarian told us the treatment cost would be $8,000 to $10,000. After X-rays this bumped to $12,000. How do people pay these costs… even if the animal lives or dies?

Egg died, but there’s still a bill to pay.

Years ago Mike and I set up a Living Trust. Upon my demise all income from my work — royalties, savings, property — it goes to Mike. When Mike passes, all the assets go to the Dove Lewis Veterinary Hospital. It’s called the “Velvet Assistance Program” and pays for treatment of sick pets. We live a frugal, close-to-the-bone life, and Dove Lewis Animal Hospital should see a decent windfall. Meaning folks with ailing pets will be offered cheap or free treatment. Fewer $10,000 bills.

Not to tarnish the Fight Club machismo, but all royalties from Invisible Monsters to Guts to books yet unwritten, will flow to animal health care for pet owners who can’t afford it.

Last I checked, Egg is still dead. But Mike & I have had this plan in place for a decade. It is our life’s work, together.

I miss my dog enormously. But I savor the idea of saving a stranger’s animal.