In Gaithersburg, Maryland, Kristie Pereira was shocked to find out her dog Beau, whom she believed was euthanized last year, is alive and available for adoption. This discovery has led her to seek answers and try to get her dog back.
Pereira adopted Beau in December 2022, and they quickly formed a close bond. However, a couple of months later, Beau started behaving oddly, prompting a visit to the vet. The vet diagnosed a possible neurological condition and suggested medications and further tests. When Beau’s condition didn’t improve, another vet suggested that Beau might have a serious health issue and mentioned euthanasia as an option.
Based on the vet’s advice that Beau’s quality of life wouldn’t improve, Pereira made the tough decision to euthanize him. She took him to Montgomery County Animal Services, where she was told she couldn’t be present during the procedure. “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 felt about it. Like, none of it was easy,” Pereira said.
However, the county’s assessment differed. They found Beau’s condition treatable, diagnosed him with a liver issue, and sent him back to the adoption agency instead of euthanizing him. All this time, Pereira believed Beau was gone until she saw him listed for adoption on the adoption group’s Facebook page.
The adoption group told FOX 5, “Montgomery County Animal Services does not allow pet owners to be with their dogs during euthanasia.” They also stated their policy of not returning surrendered dogs to their previous owners.
Now, Pereira is left with many questions about why she was never informed of the decision not to euthanize Beau and why she wasn’t given a chance to take him back. She continues to hope for a reunion with Beau, whose survival was an unexpected twist in her emotional journey.
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