In an extraordinary twist of fate, an elderly woman named Ms. Liu from Shanghai has turned heads worldwide after deciding to leave her $2.8 million fortune solely to her beloved pets. This bold move came as a shock to her family, who were reportedly absent during her later years, leaving her feeling neglected and undervalued. Ms. Liu’s decision underscores an issue many elderly people face: feeling abandoned by their children and finding solace only in the loyal companionship of their pets.
The old woman made a last-minute change to her will. Credit: Fancy/Veer/Corbis/Getty Images
The Rise of Pet Inheritance: Ms. Liu’s Ultimate Revenge
It’s not every day that a person leaves their entire fortune to animals, but Ms. Liu’s story is more than just about money; it’s a tale of deep-seated disappointment and a quest for comfort. Ms. Liu had originally planned to leave her assets to her three children. However, as time went on, her children reportedly failed to stay in touch, rarely calling or visiting their mother. Feeling abandoned, she decided to rewrite her will to ensure her cats and dogs would be taken care of in her absence.
Ms. Liu’s story sheds light on a growing trend where elderly individuals feel isolated, with some going to great lengths to seek companionship and comfort elsewhere. In Ms. Liu’s case, her pets became her constant companions, filling the void her children left behind.
The Role of Pets as Companions in Old Age
In Ms. Liu’s situation, her cats and dogs were more than just pets—they were her family. Pets have been shown to provide companionship, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness, especially for older adults. With her pets offering unwavering loyalty, Ms. Liu likely saw them as deserving of her fortune, considering they were the only ones by her side in her final years.
Loneliness among the elderly is a well-documented issue. Studies suggest that pets can help reduce feelings of loneliness, depression, and even physical ailments. In Ms. Liu’s case, her pets gave her the emotional support she craved, while her children, who were expected to fulfill this role, failed to do so.
Legal Challenges in Leaving Fortunes to Pets
Ms. Liu’s plan to leave her $2.8 million fortune directly to her pets was not without complications. Legally, animals cannot inherit money in China, a hurdle that Ms. Liu had to navigate creatively. To circumvent this, she appointed a local veterinary clinic as the official administrator of her estate. This way, her pets would still benefit from her wealth, as the clinic was tasked with overseeing their care and using the funds specifically for her pets’ well-being.
Her pets will become millionaires upon her death. Credit: John Lund/Getty Images
Setting Up a Will for Pets: A Growing Trend
Ms. Liu’s situation mirrors similar cases worldwide where individuals go to great lengths to ensure their pets are provided for after they pass away. While direct inheritance isn’t possible in most countries, pet owners can set up trusts or appoint caretakers to manage the funds meant for their animals. In Ms. Liu’s case, her arrangement with the veterinary clinic allows her pets to be looked after in a way that aligns with her wishes.
Family Dynamics: A Tale of Estrangement and Resentment
Ms. Liu’s story also highlights a harsh reality—estrangement within families, particularly between parents and their adult children. With children pursuing their own lives, elderly parents are sometimes left behind. The disappointment Ms. Liu felt toward her children was so profound that she chose to disinherit them entirely, a decision that emphasizes the rift between them.
While Ms. Liu’s actions may seem extreme, her decision is a testament to the deep hurt and loneliness many elderly people endure when they feel ignored by family. For her, leaving her fortune to her pets was not just an act of revenge but a way to find solace, knowing her beloved animals would be well taken care of.
The Impact of Ms. Liu’s Will on Her Children’s Future
Interestingly, Ms. Liu’s children were not entirely dismissed from her life, as her will included a clause allowing her to alter her decision should her children change their attitude. An official from the Will Registration Centre mentioned that Ms. Liu was advised that she could modify her will if her children began to show her the attention she longed for. This suggestion implies that Ms. Liu’s children might still have a chance to inherit if they mend their relationship with their mother.
In essence, Ms. Liu’s final act serves as a reminder to her children that her wealth was never guaranteed to them and that their presence and care were what mattered most. Her decision could be seen as a last attempt to rekindle a family bond, giving her children the opportunity to reconnect with her before it’s too late.
A Global Phenomenon: Wealthy Pet Beneficiaries
Ms. Liu’s case may seem unique, but she is not the first to make her pets millionaires. In fact, this phenomenon has seen notable cases worldwide. For instance, a businessman from Tennessee famously left $5 million to his border collie, Lulu, in 2020. These stories captivate the public, shedding light on how deeply pet owners value their furry friends, sometimes more than their human family members.
In Ms. Liu’s case, her pets are not just beneficiaries; they symbolize her need for companionship, love, and loyalty—qualities she felt were lacking in her relationship with her children.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Love, Loyalty, and Legacy
Ms. Liu’s decision to leave her $2.8 million fortune to her pets speaks volumes about her life experiences and her views on family loyalty. For Ms. Liu, her pets represented the steadfast love and companionship she had hoped to receive from her children. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining close family ties and caring for our loved ones, especially as they grow older.
While some may see her decision as a dramatic gesture of revenge, others might recognize it as a reflection of her heartbreak and disappointment. Ms. Liu’s will ultimately underscores a message to her children—and perhaps to families everywhere—that true inheritance goes beyond money. It’s about the time, love, and attention we give to those who matter most.
In the end, Ms. Liu’s fortune will provide for her pets as a legacy of her gratitude for their companionship. And her children, if willing, may still have the chance to reconnect, proving that even in matters of inheritance, love and loyalty are the most valuable assets.
