No matter what story Earl Hamner is telling, an animal is likely to have an important role to play.  A master novelist, television writer, program creator, and executive producer, Earl's work includes The Homecoming, a novella that inspired the hit television series The Waltons, which he executive-produced. Earl also wrote for the original Twilight Zone television series and the Falcon Crest series. His list of writing accomplishments features the 1972 film version of Charlotte's Web, and the books Spencer's Mountain; You Can't Get There from Here; and Goodnight, John Boy—all of which feature an animal main character.

"The animals were organic to the story I was telling and showed how humans and animals relate to one another," Earl said. "They were always pivotal to the plot and sometimes served as a beautiful metaphor for the story's theme."

In Avocado Drive Zoo, Earl highlights the importance of honesty, trust, and openness in families, and how animals can help teach such lessons. "Animals provide opportunities to grow in love, understanding, and respect for one another and for the creatures with which we share our world," he said.

To honor the animals who have informed so much of his work, Earl—along with his wife, Jane—recently established a $10,000 charitable gift annuity (CGA) with The HSUS.

"We have always contributed to The HSUS," says Earl, "but in this particular instance, our financial advisor showed us how an annuity would benefit both us and the animals." The couple hopes to establish additional CGAs in the future.

If you'd like to learn more about how you can establish a charitable gift annuity like the Hamners, please contact the development officer in your area or contact us at 1-800-808-7858 or gifts@hsus.org.