The Ultimate Act of Love? Chinese Woman Leaves $2.8M Fortune to Her Pets

Getting older is hard, especially when your loved ones stop coming by. As such, a woman from China changed her will, leaving more than $2 million to her dogs and cats rather than her children, who stopped visiting her. 

Woman from China Sparks Debate

A woman, surnamed Liu, from Shanghai, China, has sparked a thoughtful debate among internet users after making a decision to change her will. Rather than leaving her children as the beneficiaries, she instead left $2.8 million to her pets. Her initial Will was drawn up years ago, dividing her money and property among her three adult children. However, she recently decided to leave her money to her pets, “And any of their offspring,“ once she passes.

China has Certain Laws

Moreover, a local veterinary clinic has been named the “administrator” for the inheritance and will be responsible for the care of her precious pets when she goes. However, China has a law preventing residents from leaving the entirety of their assets directly to their pets. As a result, she has been advised to “appoint a person she trusts to supervise the vet clinic to ensure the pets are properly cared for,” explained Chen Kai, an official at the Will Registration Center in Bejing, China.

“Liu’s current Will is one way.”

Meanwhile, an official from the Eastern branch in China shared, “We told Auntie Liu that if her children change their attitude towards her, she could always alter her will again.”Liu disclosed that her children never come to see her and rarely contact her. However, her pets have provided her with unconditional love and companionship. As a result, she’s decided she wants them to be loved and cared for after she’s gone. She’s now taken steps toward ensuring she won’t have to worry about what will happen to her furry friends.

Read More: Science Shows That Women Sleep Better Next To Dogs Than Men

Commending a Seemingly Heartbroken Woman

Online users shared their own opinions, with many agreeing with the woman from China. “How disappointed and heartbroken she must have been to make the decision not to leave anything to her children,” said one user empathetically. “Well done. If my daughter treats me poorly in the future, I will also leave my house to others,” said another in encouragement.

Although the bond between a parent and child is sacred, it can become strained and distant.

Sadly, the woman from China has experienced her own heartbreak, but luckily has had loyal pets. Pets who are eager to provide her with love and comfort. Unsurprisingly, even those who don’t have strained relationships with their families, still benefit immensely from having a pet. Studies have shown that having a pet is great for overall health. Pet ownership has been shown to reduce high-stress levels and cardiovascular complications.

Pet Ownership is Advantageous

Moreover, having a pet as an older person may also have other benefits, as the woman from China has likely learned. First, caring for something or someone else can give people a sense of purpose. Second, because some pets need physical exercise, it guarantees that an older person will get out of the house for some fresh air whenever possible. Which also has incredibly positive health effects. Third, animals are incredibly loving and prevent people from feeling “lonely.” “Older pet owners have often told us how incredibly barren and lonely their lives were without their pets’ companionship. Even when there were some downsides to owning an active pet.” Explained Linda Anderson, co-founder of Angel Animals Network in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

According to Psychology Today, owning a pet is most likely good for physical and mental health.

Pet ownership may help prevent brain aging by up to 15 years. Plus, a pet has been shown to improve the lives of more than just the elderly. Animals have been used to support physical and emotional needs in therapeutic or medical settings. It looks as though Lui from Shanghai, China, might have a few things figured out. Although it’s disheartening to hear that her family has little involvement in her life, there’s something incredibly special about the fact that people can have pets, who ultimately become a cherished part of the family.

Read More: Vet explains what pets do in their final moments just before they’re put down