Losing a beloved pet can feel like a piece of your life has been taken away. The connection between a dog and their person is profound, built on trust, routine, and unconditional love. When that bond is suddenly threatened, the pain can be overwhelming.
One woman in Maryland believed she had faced the hardest decision a pet owner can make. What she learned afterward, however, left her stunned and searching for answers.
Kristie And Beau Begin Their Life Together
Kristie Pereira was thrilled when she adopted Beau, a sweet hound mix, from a shelter in Northern Virginia.
From the start, Beau settled into his new home, filling Pereira’s days with affection, playful energy, and peaceful evenings spent side by side.
For a time, everything felt right. Then, just a few months later, Pereira noticed troubling changes in Beau’s behavior and health that she could not explain.
Alarming Symptoms And A Difficult Choice
Concerned, Pereira took Beau to her regular veterinarian. After examining him, the vet raised the possibility of neurological issues.
Beau was prescribed medication, and Pereira was advised to seek emergency care if his condition failed to improve.
When the symptoms continued, she brought Beau to an emergency veterinary clinic in Montgomery County, Maryland.
There, she received devastating news. The emergency staff explained that Beau’s condition appeared serious and complex.
They told Pereira that advanced diagnostic testing was available, but it would be invasive, expensive, and unlikely to change the prognosis. Euthanasia was presented as a recommended option.
After careful consideration and emotional distress, Pereira made the painful decision to surrender Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services for euthanasia.
An Outcome She Never Imagined
Because the shelter does not allow owners to stay with their pets during euthanasia, Pereira said goodbye to Beau and left him in the care of the veterinary staff.
“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 told Fox 32.
Fox 32 reviewed the euthanasia request form required at the shelter. The document clearly states that owners are requesting humane euthanasia.
It also includes an important clause noting that if the animal is later determined to be treatable and adoptable, the facility may choose to provide medical care and place the pet for adoption.
That is exactly what happened with Beau. After a thorough medical evaluation, veterinarians determined he had a liver condition that could be treated.
Beau received care and was transferred back to his original Northern Virginia shelter.
A Shocking Discovery Online
Unaware of these developments, Pereira continued to mourn Beau. Then one day, while scrolling through Facebook, she saw a post featuring an adoptable dog. It was Beau.
The realization was overwhelming.
“An emotional rollercoaster, it’s [been], to say the least… He was like my little baby,” she told the station.
Montgomery County Animal Services explained to Fox 32 that when euthanasia does not take place, former owners are generally not notified unless they reach out immediately to reverse their decision.
Pereira recalled being told to make the decision she felt was best if the veterinarian confirmed a severe condition. The adoption group later expressed sympathy for her pain but explained that their policy does not allow surrendered dogs to be returned to previous owners.