A woman who believed that her dog had been put down spotted him a year later and is now fighting to get him back.
Kristie Pereira, from Maryland, was devastated to learn that her dog, believed to have been euthanized a year ago, is now up for adoption again, per the Washington Post.
Pereira adopted Beau, a puppy, from the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in 2022.
When Beau began exhibiting health issues, a vet diagnosed him with a likely incurable neurological problem, advising euthanasia as the most humane option.
Despite medication and follow-up visits, Beau’s condition did not improve. Faced with a heartbreaking decision, Pereira took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services to be put down, armed with a letter from the vet outlining Beau’s prognosis.
Due to the shelter's policy that "owners may not be present in the room during euthanasia," Pereira had to leave Beau behind.
She expressed her anguish to FOX 5, saying: "I don't think that someone that just wanted to get rid of the dog would feel anywhere close to how I'm feeling about this and how I have about it. Like, none of it was easy."
In December 2022, Pereira believed she had said goodbye to Beau for good. However, a year later, she was shocked to see Beau listed for adoption on the same Facebook page where she originally found him.
According to FOX 5, the form Pereira completed for Beau's euthanasia included a clause allowing Montgomery County to treat and rehome the pet if deemed treatable and adoptable.
The county confirmed that Beau was found to have a liver issue, not a severe neurological problem, and was treated and returned to the rescue organization, which then put him up for adoption.
The Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, adhering to its policy, refused to return Beau to Pereira. Their stance is that pets surrendered for euthanasia cannot be reclaimed by their former owners.
Pereira, heartbroken by the situation, discovered Beau's status only through the adoption agency’s website and was never informed by either the county or the rescue organization.
Montgomery County officials explained to FOX 5 that they typically do not contact owners if a decision is made to treat rather than euthanize a surrendered pet, unless the owner reaches out immediately after surrendering the pet to express regret.
The adoption agency maintained that they had discussed alternatives with Pereira, suggesting she could return Beau to them instead of proceeding with euthanasia, during which she wouldn't be allowed to be present.
Pereira recalls the conversation differently, claiming the agency advised her to make the decision that felt most comfortable, leading her to choose euthanasia to prevent Beau from suffering.
Despite sympathizing with her situation, the agency will not return her dog due to their policy.