Most US states have laws against leaving money directly to pets. The former owner of the town newspaper left most of his fortune to the state veterinary school for research, particularly cancer in dogs. He got around the state law by creating a trust for his golden retrievers which included his house and grounds and money to pay their live-in caregiver. When they died, the house was sold and the trust ended, and the rest of the money was given to the school in their honor.
Most US states have laws against leaving money directly to pets. The former owner of the town newspaper left most of his fortune to the state veterinary school for research, particularly cancer in dogs. He got around the state law by creating a trust for his golden retrievers which included his house and grounds and money to pay their live-in caregiver. When they died, the house was sold and the trust ended, and the rest of the money was given to the school in their honor.