Exhausted and running out of options, Kristie Pereira made the difficult decision last year to have her ailing puppy euthanized at a Maryland shelter. However, her shock knew no bounds when she discovered her beloved Beau up for adoption at the same pet rescue organization where she had initially adopted him. Pereira, who now resides in San Antonio, adopted Beau, a 2-month-old hound mix, from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in Maryland in late 2022. The bond they shared was unbreakable, with Beau being her constant companion. But within weeks, Pereira noticed something amiss with her furry friend. After consulting several veterinarians, including the clinic’s lead veterinarian and an animal emergency room veterinarian, a neurological issue was suspected. However, the cost of extensive testing to confirm the diagnosis was estimated at a staggering $12,000. Despite being a digital marketing professional, Pereira was determined to find a way to pay for Beau’s treatment if it meant saving his life. Unfortunately, the prognosis was grim. The veterinarians suggested that euthanasia might be the most humane option, given the slim chance of finding the root cause and the even lower likelihood of a successful treatment. Pereira was torn and held on for another month, all the while consulting with Lost Dog & Cat Rescue, who she believed supported her decision to euthanize Beau. Heartbroken and sleepless, Pereira took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services in Maryland in March 2023, where she paid for his euthanasia. She was under the impression that shelter policy prohibited owners from being present during the procedure. Curiosity led Pereira to visit the rescue’s website during a visit to her mother in Maryland, where she was stunned to see Beau’s picture among the dogs available for adoption. Upon contacting the shelter, she learned that Beau had not been euthanized after veterinarians there had determined he did not meet the criteria for humane euthanasia. The shelter had returned Beau to Lost Dog & Cat Rescue, who confirmed this in a written statement, outlining the extensive medical care and $7,000 surgery Beau had undergone to address a liver issue. None of this information had been shared with Pereira, who expressed her willingness to pay the $7,000 to reclaim her pet. After several unanswered calls, she finally received a rude and disrespectful response from the rescue, accusing her of abandoning and intending to let Beau die. Pereira was informed that Beau would never be returned to her, and the line was disconnected. Chloe Floyd, a spokesperson for the rescue, declined to comment on the specific allegations but defended the decision not to return the dog. The rescue’s mission, she stated, was to save adoptable and safe-to-the-community dogs from euthanasia. The rescue acknowledged having advised Pereira during her deliberations about euthanasia but emphasized the importance of consulting a veterinarian who allowed her to be present during the procedure. If she was unable to do so, they would take the dog back. Both the rescue and the shelter criticized Pereira for not consenting to the extensive testing to rule out neurological issues. Caroline Hairfield, executive director of Montgomery County Animal Services, explained that they were contractually obligated to return surrendered animals to the rescue and had limited authority in the matter. While expressing sympathy for Pereira, she emphasized that the decision to return the dog rested solely with the rescue. As of this writing, Beau remains available for adoption on the rescue’s website, a constant reminder of the anguish and controversy surrounding his journey.
Dog Owner’s Anguish: Puppy Declared Healthy After Euthanasia Decision
