A dog owner in the US has asked that her ashes be mixed with those of her beloved pet.
The problem is, the dog isn't dead yet. But she soon will be, because of a stipulation in the deceased owner's last will and testament.
For now, Bella the German Shepherd is being boarded at Paws of Dearborn County in Indiana, after she was found with her owner Connie Lay, who had died.
According to volunteers, she is a smart, well-trained dog.
But the attorney handling Ms Lay's estate, Doug Denmure, says Ms Lay did not want Bella re-housed.
He says the only feasible option listed in Ms Lay's will is to have Bella put down and her ashes placed with her owner's.
It's an option legal analyst Mike Allen says isn't entirely uncommon or illegal.
"Animals are considered property and that's what the point of a will is to dispose of property upon one's death. You have that conflicting though with rules that say you have to treat animals humanely."
Volunteers say several people have offered to adopt Bella, but Mr Denmore says it's Ms Lay's dog and the executor of her will has the authority to carry out her wishes.
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