Emotional rollercoaster: US woman finds her ‘euthanised’ dog up for adoption

Last year, a US woman named Kristie Pereira was forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to take her desperately ill puppy Beau to a Maryland shelter for euthanasia.

Just as she was coming to terms with the tough decision, the heartbroken woman was left stunned. She discoveredlast week that the dog was up for adoption at the same rescue organisation from where she had initially adopted him. What happened?

A dog named Beau

Pereira had adopted the two-month-old hound mix from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation for $450 in late 2022. Beau quickly became her inseparable companion, but his health deteriorated within weeks.

As per CBS News, veterinarians suspected a severe neurological issue and suggested euthanasia after other treatments failed and extensive tests were quoted at $12,000.

"Honestly, I mean, after I talked to them is really when I felt, you know, that I was going to be doing the right thing by putting him down," she said.

In March 2023, following sleepless nights and consultations with Lost Dog & Cat Rescue staff, Pereira took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services and paid $15 for euthanasia.

"They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although it's hard, sometimes that's the best thing to do," said Pereira.

She was not allowed to stay with him during the process.

Visiting Maryland last week, Pereira checked the rescue's website and found Beau, now named Amos Hart, up for adoption. Calls to the shelter revealed he had not been euthanised, as shelter veterinarians found no neurological issues and returned him to Lost Dog & Cat Rescue.

The rescue treated a liver problem with a $7,000 surgery funded through GoFundMe.An elated Pereira has offered to pay the $7,000 to get Beau back.

"I have a lot of questions, but first and foremost, I want him back with me," she told The Associated Press on Friday (May 24).

However, she has been met with rude responses from the rescue, which accused her of abandoning the dog and refused to return him.

Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, as per CBS News, maintains a policy of not re-homing surrendered dogs with their former owners.

Montgomery County Animal Services, bound by contract, returned Beau to the rescue and noted that the decision to return the dog lies with the rescue. As of Friday, Beau remained available for adoption on the rescue's website.

(With inputs from agencies)