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Owner Surrenders Senior Dog After Vet Refuses To Euthanize Him

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on February 14, 2022

Our dogs are perfect in our eyes, but like humans, they always have aspects they can improve on. With plenty of patience and love, we can become closer to our dogs as we train them and get to know them better. However, one owner didn’t take the extra time to work with a 10-year-old dog named Buddy, which led to him almost being euthanized.

Buddy has some behavior problems, which seem to result from a heartbreaking relationship with his previous owner. Instead of training the dog or even re-homing him, the owner wanted him euthanized. Luckily, a vet saw Buddy’s true potential before it was too late.

Buddy going for a walk
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Vet Refuses Euthanasia

Buddy’s previous owner asked a vet to put the dog down because they said they couldn’t handle the pup’s behavior issues. But the vet knew that Buddy could improve, so they refused to put him down. Then, the person relinquished ownership of the dog.

For over 500 days since then, Buddy has stayed at the RSPCA’s Brent Knoll Animal Centre in Somerset, England. Staff members consistently work on training with him, but he still longs for a forever home. His relationship with his previous owner created some problematic behaviors in the pup, but he keeps improving.

Senior dog at shelter
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“This cute lad is an affectionate chap who sadly had a less than ideal relationship with his previous owner,” said RSPCA deputy manager Katy Darelli. “Buddy began to retaliate to these experiences, at which point ownership was relinquished to us after a request for euthanasia was rejected by his vet.”

The staff members are using lots of positive reinforcements to curb Buddy’s bad habits. The terrier loves being rewarded with toys, especially squeaky balls.

Shelter dog receives gift
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Buddy’s Second Chance

Even though Buddy has been challenging to find a home for, the shelter is optimistic that his perfect family is out there. He might be an older pup, but he still has plenty of energy.

“Buddy is going to need a very special home with conscientious owners who have time and patience to help him live the happiest life possible,” Darelli said. “Like so many animals who come into our care, it can take months of care, time, and love to get them to a stage where they are ready for a new home, but we don’t give up on these animals. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

Shelter dog training
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The ideal home for Buddy is a stress-free environment with no other dogs. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting him, apply at the RSPCA’s website.

H/T: people.com
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