This past week, my family and I took a trip to sunny Florida. For nine days, my family and I occupied my in-laws' ocean-front condo. All I planned on doing was swim, look for shark's teeth on the beach and drink beer as I watched the sunset. At least that was the plan.

After we had been there for a few days, we got a call from our vet. Dr. Eric was worried about Bailey, our 13-year-old Keeshond and wanted to do an EKG.

The test results weren't good. Bailey was suffering from congestive heart failure. We were told that even with medication, he probably only had three months left. However, that all changed the next day.

Dr. Eric called to tell us that Bailey had fluid building up around his heart and he couldn't get up. It didn't look like Bailey was going to make it. To make a long and difficult story short, we decided that it was time to put Bailey down. Sandy, my mother-in-law ,went to the vet and was with him while he went to sleep. She called afterward and we all cried together

I can't really explain how much losing Bailey hurts. Except for my immediate family and a few close buddies, my relationship with Bailey was one of the longest of my life.

If you don't own a pet, or if your pet is just that, a pet, you probably should stop reading here. However, if your pet is a member of the family, you'll understand why I'm writing this.

Because pets are part of our families, including them in an estate plan is becoming more common. I'm not suggesting you leave Fido a pile of money. However, you can and should indicate who receives him. This is an important decision, because owning a pet is a big responsibility. It also can be expensive, so make sure the recipient has the time, space and money to have a pet. Also, because getting up in the middle of the night to let the dog out isn't for everyone, you should make sure the person receiving the animal has the right temperament and disposition.

Although you can't leave Fido money, you can establish a pet trust for his support. A pet trust is a device to provide financial support for the care of your pet. After your pet passes, the remaining funds will be distributed to the beneficiary of your choice. Indiana actually has a code section specifically addressing pet trusts.

You might consider including a distribution in your estate plan to a charity or nonprofit that cares for animals.

I've worked with the Humane Society a number of times and even served as Santa at a Christmas party one year.

Although Bailey didn't like the kids much, laid wherever I needed to walk, barked uncontrollably and generally was in a grumpy mood during his later years, I loved him.

I want to send out a big thank you to Dr. Eric and the staff at the Hanover Veterinary Hospital for everything you did.

Opinions expressed solely are those of the writer. Christopher W. Yugo is a member of the Indiana Bar and a vice president and senior trust officer for First National Bank's Trust Department. Address questions to Yugo in care of The Times, 601 W. 45th Ave., Munster, IN, 46321. Yugo's information is meant to be general in nature. Specific legal, tax, or insurance questions should be referred to your attorney, accountant or estate-planning specialist.