Last year, Kristie Pereira found herself exhausted and running out of options when it came to her ailing puppy. After consulting with two veterinary clinics without any success, she had to make the heart-wrenching decision to bring her puppy to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized.
Last week, she was taken aback to discover that the dog she had adopted was now up for adoption again at the very same pet rescue organization.
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“I have numerous inquiries, but above all, my primary desire is to have him by my side,” Pereira shared with The Associated Press on Friday.
Pereira, currently residing in San Antonio, recalls her experience of adopting a 2-month-old hound mix from Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation, a local organization, while she was working remotely from her home in Maryland. She fondly reminisces about the moment she paid $450 in late 2022 to bring the adorable furry friend into her life.
She named the puppy Beau, and they soon became inseparable. Beau would snuggle next to her while she worked, sleep in her bed, and even accompany her whenever Pereira left the house. However, after a few weeks, Pereira noticed that something was amiss with the puppy.
The veterinarian determined that the problem was likely neurological. Although blood tests indicated a potential liver issue, Pereira was provided with liver enzymes and assured that she would witness a rapid improvement if Beau’s liver was indeed the cause.
According to Pereira, the dog’s condition continued to deteriorate. The veterinarians involved, including the dog’s own veterinarian, the clinic’s lead veterinarian, and an animal emergency room veterinarian, all reached a consensus that the dog’s inability to control his bowels and lift his hind legs indicated a serious neurological issue.
Pereira, 32, who works in digital marketing, mentioned that the price for conducting a series of tests to determine the condition of her pet, Beau, was quoted as high as $12,000. Although she was initially taken aback by the steep cost, Pereira stated that she would have managed to find the means to pay it if it meant potentially saving her beloved pet.
She recalled being told that there was a very slim chance of finding the cause of the problem and an even smaller chance of finding a solution for it.
When faced with the suggestion that euthanizing the puppy may be a more humane option, she firmly refused to entertain the idea. Instead, she remained steadfast in her decision, holding out for another month.
Pereira mentioned that she was constantly seeking advice from the staff at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue during the entire process.
Pereira expressed her honest feelings about the situation, stating that it was after she spoke with them that she truly believed euthanizing her pet was the right decision. She acknowledged the support and encouragement they provided, recognizing that sometimes it can be difficult but ultimately the best choice to make.
Pereira was left in the dark as none of the information was shared with her. In order to bring Beau back, she was willing to bear the $7,000 cost. Pereira expressed her frustration as she mentioned that it took the rescue several days to respond to her calls. Furthermore, when they finally did, it was not someone Pereira had previously spoken with.
Pereira received a heart-wrenching phone call, informing them that the dog “will never go back to you.” The call abruptly ended, leaving Pereira in a state of shock and disbelief.
Chloe Floyd, the spokesperson for the rescue, declined to address inquiries regarding whether someone from the rescue made those statements to Pereira. However, she justified the choice not to bring back the dog.
The rescue organization confirmed that they had a conversation with Pereira when she was considering euthanizing the puppy. They emphasized the significance of taking the dog to a vet who would allow her to be present during the euthanasia process. In case she couldn’t fulfill this requirement, they made it clear that the rescue would take the dog back.
The rescue and the shelter both criticized Pereira for refusing to give consent for the comprehensive testing to determine if the cat was experiencing any neurological issues.
Caroline Hairfield, the executive director of Montgomery County Animal Services, explained that the organization is contractually obligated to return surrendered animals to the rescue. She emphasized that their actions are limited due to these contractual obligations.
According to Hairfield, Pereira has gained sympathy from everyone, but it will ultimately be the rescue’s decision whether or not to reunite her with the dog.
She stated that the matter is a civil issue between the two parties involved. Furthermore, she mentioned that the animal has not been under their care for a year.
The rescue’s website still had the dog available for adoption on Friday.
