BALTIMORE, MD – Kristie Pereira was shocked to find her once desperately ill puppy, believed to have been euthanized, alive and up for adoption nearly a year after she relinquished him to a Maryland shelter.
In late 2022, Pereira adopted a 2-month-old hound mix named Beau from the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation in Maryland for $450. The puppy quickly became a cherished companion, staying by her side as she worked from home. However, Beau soon exhibited health issues that a veterinarian attributed to a probable neurological condition, although liver problems were also suspected.
Despite treatment efforts, Beau’s condition deteriorated, leading Pereira to make the heart-wrenching decision to surrender him for euthanasia due to what seemed to be an untreatable condition.
Imagine her astonishment when she discovered that Beau was not only alive but also available for adoption from the very organization from which he was initially adopted. Pereira, now residing in San Antonio, is seeking to reclaim her beloved pet, stating, “I have a lot of questions, but first and foremost, I want him back with me.”
The rescue’s veterinarians discovered no neurological issues with the dog. Following diagnostic tests that identified a liver condition, the dog underwent a $7,000 surgery funded by a GoFundMe campaign and was subsequently declared healthy.
Pereira contacted the rescue to get her puppy back, and expressed her willingness to reimburse the surgery costs to reclaim her dog, but faced significant resistance. The interactions with the rescue’s staff were fraught with accusations of abandonment and negligence, which Pereira found deeply upsetting.
A spokesperson for the rescue, defended their decision not to return Beau to Pereira, citing policy against rehoming animals to previous owners who surrendered them. The rescue maintains that their priority is to save dogs from euthanasia and ensure they are safe for community adoption.
The matter has left Pereira without recourse, as the rescue refuses to reconsider their stance, and Montgomery County Animal Services, which originally accepted Beau’s surrender, states they are contractually obligated to follow the rescue’s policies.
As of now, Beau remains available for adoption, while Pereira contends with the emotional and legal complexities of trying to regain custody of her former companion.
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