Annie Walton Doyle
A woman who believed she had had her dog euthanized was shocked to discover him up for adoption on the shelter’s site.
Last year, Kristie Pereira made the heartbreaking decision to take her ailing puppy, Beau, to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized.
To her surprise, she recently found him listed for adoption on the same rescue’s website.
People have been left shocked by the story, with one person penning: “Something doesn’t add up.”
“She should have that beautiful baby back,” another agrees.
While a third adds: “More than anything, this speaks to the declining quality of pet care in this country.”
“I have a lot of questions, but first and foremost, I want him back with me,” Pereira expressed on Friday, per the Independent.
Originally from Maryland, Pereira, now living in San Antonio, adopted Beau – a 2-month-old hound mix – from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in late 2022, paying $450 for him.
The two quickly bonded, but soon after, she noticed Beau struggling with health issues.
Pereira’s veterinarian suspected a neurological disorder, though blood tests indicated a possible liver issue, suggesting that ‘improvement’ might come soon if the liver was the culprit.
However, Beau’s condition only worsened, with severe symptoms impacting his mobility.
Additional tests to determine the issue would have cost up to $12,000, a price Pereira was willing to pay if it could save Beau.
Yet, medical professionals advised the odds of diagnosing or treating Beau’s issues were slim.
Finally, Pereira decided to consider euthanasia, a choice she made after consultations with Lost Dog & Cat Rescue staff, who assured her it was likely the most compassionate option.
After several restless nights watching Beau suffer, Pereira took him to Montgomery County Animal Services in March 2023, paying $15 for euthanasia.
Shelter policy prevented her from staying with Beau during the procedure.
A year later, while visiting Maryland, Pereira looked up the shelter’s adoption page and was stunned to see Beau, now going by his original name ‘Amos Hart,’ up for adoption.
The shelter informed Pereira that they had assessed Beau’s condition and felt euthanasia was unnecessary, returning him to Lost Dog & Cat Rescue.
The rescue released a statement indicating their veterinarians found no neurological issues.
Instead, Beau underwent treatment for a liver issue and a $7,000 surgery funded through donations.
Pereira, who was never informed of Beau’s recovery, said she was willing to cover the $7,000 cost to bring him home.
When she contacted the rescue, she was met with resistance, allegedly being told that Beau ‘will never go back to you.’
Pereira was hurt by this response, feeling her dedication to Beau was being dismissed.
Chloe Floyd, a spokesperson for the rescue, declined to confirm the alleged conversation but defended the policy against returning surrendered dogs to former owners.
“Our mission is to save adoptable and safe-to-the-community dogs from euthanasia,” Floyd stated.
Montgomery County Animal Services clarified that by contract, surrendered pets are returned to the rescue, not previous owners.
Executive Director Caroline Hairfield expressed sympathy for Pereira but stated: “That’s a civil issue between the two of them,” explaining the shelter hadn’t been responsible for Beau for over a year.
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