Apollo's Lesson: What The Film, The Friend, Teaches Us About Pet Trusts

Apollo's Lesson: What The Film, The Friend, Teaches Us About Pet Trusts

By Melinda Gustafson Gervasi

October 24, 2025

Times change, even at libraries. NPR recently ran the story 7 surprising ways the public library can save you money.  Long a fan of my public library, my current library card use centers around borrowing DVDs.  It’s a frugal and practical way to watch films that always seem to leave theaters before I get around to buying a ticket.  A recent library loan was the 2025 film, The Friend.  

Based on the novel by Sigrid Nunez, the movie centers on Iris (played by Naomi Watts), a writer living a solitary life in a small, rent-controlled New York apartment. Her comfortable existence is thrown into chaos when her closest friend and mentor, Walter (played by Bill Murray), dies suddenly by suicide and, leaving behind Apollo, his beloved 150-pound Great Dane. Without any legal plan in play for his companion, Apollo finds his way to Iris’ apartment, which does not allow pets.  The film explores the challenges of mourning the loss of a close friend at the same time as attempting to care for their beloved pet.  

Caring for the pet of someone who has passed away is a topic I’ve written about over the years.  Long ago I faced the challenge of re-homing The Boys, my mom’s two senior cats who needed a new home following her prolonged illness and death.  Over a decade later I still recall the feeling in my stomach as person after person said “I wish I could, but I cannot afford their monthly medications”.  Impacted by this experience, I have made certain our four cats have a pet trust should my husband and I pass away.  A cat who comes with financial support, even a little, is far easier to re-home than one that has nothing but a list of monthly expenses. My commitment to planning for our furry family members was reinforced while watching The Friend.  With a simple will and a few extra paragraphs, Apollo’s path to a new home may have been far easier.

A pet trust is a vehicle that holds both your pet(s) – technically they are your property – as well as some money you determine in your will.  The document names a primary and secondary caretaker of your animals as well as a primary and secondary trustee.  A trustee handles the administrative matters for the trust: paying bills, investing the money, and filing tax returns are a few examples. Funds inside the trust can pay for medications, medical care, food, grooming, and end of life care. When the last of the animals passes away, the remaining funds can be distributed.  Many clients name the caretaker or a nonprofit focused on animal welfare and rescue. 

Pet trusts may sound overly complicated or too sophisticated for your needs.  When should you consider setting up a pet trust?  Here are a situations that I think warrant a discussion of whether or not this tool belongs in your estate plan:

• When a Pet Has Special Needs or Expensive Care: If your pet requires ongoing prescription medication, frequent veterinary care for a chronic condition, a highly specific diet, or expensive specialized training, a trust ensures the necessary funds are legally dedicated to maintaining that high standard of care. 
• For Long-Lived or Exotic Animals: Pets with exceptionally long lifespans, such as parrots, horses, or certain turtles, may easily outlive any initially appointed caregiver. A pet trust provides a structure for multiple successor caregivers and ensures financial resources are available for several decades of care. 
• For Owners of a Hobby Farm or Multiple Animals: A single pet trust can manage the care for a large group of animals, such as horses, goats, or chickens, which are typically expensive to maintain and relocate. The trust can detail specific instructions for their feed, farrier and veterinary schedules, or even direct their placement to a suitable animal sanctuary, ensuring all farm animals are protected. 
• When the Designated Caregiver Faces Financial Hardship: If your preferred caregiver is willing but would struggle to afford the pet's upkeep (especially in the case of large, older, or special-needs pets), a funded pet trust removes the financial burden, legally enabling them to provide the best care without sacrificing their own financial stability.

Tiberius, the youngest of our 4 cats.  He joined the family two years ago.

Thanks for reading.  A blog is meant to spark thought and reflection, it is not legal advice.  Please consult an attorney in your home state for advice specific to your situation.  Never miss a new post!  Enter your email (upper right of this page) and receive a message when a new post publishes.