Misty

In the dog-versus-cat debate, Misty doesn’t hesitate to take sides. “My poodles have been a big part of my life,” she says. “They’ve given me immense love and joy and laughter.”

As an exercise instructor for older adults, many of whom have pets, Misty sees firsthand the positive influence those animals can have on their owners’ lives. Her passion isn’t limited to dogs, however. “I’d like to see the end of puppy mills and the end of dog fighting, and I like that the Humane Society of the United States is working on these issues,” she says. “But I want to make sure that all animals have a good advocate.”

Ten years ago, Misty decided to honor her best friends through several charitable endeavors. First, she found that a gift annuity offered a way to support the HSUS and receive secure, lifetime payments. “As I got older and started to think about dog matters again,” she notes, “I decided to contact the HSUS again to buy a much bigger CGA, to help in a much bigger way.”

Misty’s additional way of giving back took a less conventional form. The proceeds from her mystery novels, which feature a crime-solving canine, fund poodle rescue.

Naming the HSUS in your will is an easy and flexible way to extend your support for animals far into the future. To learn more about this and other ways to create your humane legacy, please contact the Office of Planned Giving at humanelegacy@humanesociety.org or 1-800-808-7858, or visit legacy.humanesociety.org/request.