For pet owners, the thought of who will care for their animals if they are no longer able to is a significant concern. Brad and Jeanita McNulty, like many devoted pet parents, faced this very question. Relocating away from family, their six basset hounds – Kelsey, Festus, Sadie, Harley, Watson, and Sophie – were their primary family. Determined to secure their future, Brad, a certified public accountant with estate-planning knowledge, embarked on an internet search for solutions. This quest led him to an intriguing offering: the Perpetual Pet Care Program (PPCP) at the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine.
The PPCP stood out as a unique approach to pet estate planning. Understanding that pets are legally considered property, the McNultys recognized the program’s potential to address their core concern: ensuring their dogs’ well-being in any circumstance. Beyond personal pet care, they learned the PPCP also contributed to a meaningful cause, funding scholarships and vital research within the College of Veterinary Medicine. Intrigued and with no prior connection to Kansas State University (K-State), the McNultys decided to investigate further, planning a visit to the Manhattan campus.
“We had a trip planned to Kansas City anyway,” explained Jeanita, a part-time librarian. “We decided at that time we would drive to Manhattan to see what we thought of the facilities and the people.” Having previously visited veterinary facilities at Colorado State and Iowa State universities, the McNultys had a solid basis for comparison and clear expectations for their pets’ future care.
Discovering the Perpetual Pet Care Program at K-State: A Perfect Match
“We wanted to get a feeling for how the facility would take care of our animals,” Brad emphasized. Their visit to K-State proved to be reassuring. “The people at KSU all seem to have that same level of caring and concern for the program that we do for our bassets. We found what we believed to be a perfect match.” Jeanita echoed this sentiment, stating, “We were very impressed.”
Their history with pets ran deep. Prior to their basset hound family, there was Cody, a collie mix, and Blackie, a cockapoo. Jeanita’s fondness for basset hounds led to Lady Baxter III, or Baxter for short, joining their lives. “Don’t ask why I wanted a basset hound,” Jeanita chuckled. “It’s kind of a mystery, even to me.” Over time, their basset hound family grew, including Festus, a rescue found abandoned and in poor health. Despite being blind, Festus thrived under their care and became an integral part of their pack.
Understanding their dogs’ needs, the McNultys designed their Iowa home to be a haven for their basset hounds. A heated garage/kennel and a doggy door leading to a spacious, fenced backyard provided ample space for their playful companions. “They like to chase each other and keep each other company,” Brad noted. Jeanita shared a charming glimpse into their dogs’ routine: “When Brad leaves in the morning, Watson will get the others howling, like a chorus. They do their little song until I come out. They must think they’re home alone because when I let them know I’m there, they quiet down.”
Alt text: A pack of six basset hounds playing together in a spacious fenced backyard, illustrating the McNultys’ commitment to providing ample space for their pets as part of their perpetual pet care program planning.
Impressed by their visit, the McNultys soon committed $500,000 to enroll their beloved basset hounds in the Perpetual Pet Care Program. This significant investment reflected their unwavering dedication to their pets’ long-term well-being.
Peace of Mind Through Planned Pet Care and Exceptional Veterinary Services
Dr. Roger Fingland, director of the teaching hospital, highlighted the McNultys’ priorities: “The McNultys were clearly focused on finding the best available health care for their pets. They were interested in developing a relationship with a veterinary hospital that was capable of providing exceptional care for their pets, regardless of the condition.” He added, “We were pleased that they decided to associate with the Veterinary Health Center after evaluating several programs. We look forward to working with them to provide the level of medical care they desire. The McNultys are special people and we are fortunate to have them as friends of the teaching hospital.”
Brad emphasized their consistent commitment to their pets’ health: “Ever since we’ve had our dogs, we’ve always taken excellent care of them — the best we could,” Brad stated. “The cost of treatment or anything of that nature has never been an issue, so we were looking for some place that could continue that level of care.” The loss of their first basset hound, Baxter, to cancer a year prior, further solidified their focus on advanced veterinary capabilities.
Alt text: Jeanita McNulty lovingly interacts with one of her basset hounds, showcasing the deep bond that motivated her and Brad to invest in the Perpetual Pet Care Program for their pets’ future security.
“They have MRI technology, which is very impressive,” Jeanita noted, referencing K-State’s veterinary facilities. “They seem to have everything to provide the best care possible.” Brad concluded, “If one of our other dogs gets sick, we will do everything possible to get our dog to Kansas State,” underscoring their confidence in the Perpetual Pet Care Program and the exceptional veterinary care it provides.
The McNultys’ story exemplifies the peace of mind that the Perpetual Pet Care Program offers pet owners. It’s more than just estate planning for pets; it’s a commitment to ensuring their continued well-being and access to top-tier veterinary care, while also supporting the future of veterinary medicine. For those seeking to provide lasting security and the highest quality care for their beloved animals, exploring a Perpetual Pet Care Program like the one at K-State could be the ideal solution.
