Ensuring People Are Cared for and Protected

Deborah Radin has always loved taking care of people. In her early career, she planned to be a chef, so she could nurture people through food. Ultimately, her path led to law school when she realized the law was a useful, practical tool to support and navigate people through particularly difficult situations, making their lives easier. Now a partner at Kramer Radin, LLP in Los Altos, she specializes in estate planning.

An animal lover herself, Deborah finds the humor and silliness in her pets a welcome break from the stresses in life. When her dog Mitzi comes to work, she is the "Floor Manager," greeting everyone. "She's therapeutic!" Deborah says. "Often clients come in because of a stressful change in their life, and Mitzi relaxes them. Her snoring in the middle of a meeting always breaks the tension."

During the planning process, Deborah asks her clients to consider what is most important to them, and together they create a thoughtful estate plan reflecting those values: Whom do I care about? What is best for my loved ones?

"It's very satisfying when their wishes and values are expressed in their plans, knowing ALL of their loved ones are cared for and protected…including the needs of their pets and their community," Deborah says. "I consider it an honor to be in this role."

Deborah often recommends HSSV's Pet Guardianship Program if her clients have no one who can take their pets, or if they want a backup plan. "HSSV's values align perfectly with my expectations for my clients," she says. "They ask, 'If I'm not there, who will be?' and I know the answer is HSSV."

Our Pet Guardianship Program is just one of the ways HSSV makes a difference in the lives of animals and their human companions. You can make a lasting difference for the animals in our care with a gift through your estate. Contact Bridget Keenan at 408.942.3006 to uncover all the options available.

Join our Heritage Society with your gift! Benefits include group tours, hands-on animal experiences, discounts on adoptions, and enrollment in our Pet Guardianship Program.