While numerous individuals regard their dogs as part of their family, this sentiment is not universally shared.
Discarding a pet is inhumane, yet choosing to euthanize your two dogs – who are both joyful and in good health – simply due to a minor inconvenience, is an extreme form of cruelty.
A Decade Spent In His Company
In the summer of 2018, a gentleman from Indiana, USA, took his two dogs, Cosmo and Sam, to a local veterinary clinic with a request for euthanasia.
Cosmo, a petite Labrador Retriever mix, and Sam, a Pointer, were a closely bonded pair of elderly dogs.
These two dogs, known for their sweetness, happiness, and good health, had spent nearly a decade with their owner before this tragic circumstance unfolded.
The owner decided on euthanasia as he was relocating to live with his girlfriend, who had a dog allergy. According to the rescue organization, they no longer viewed the dogs as an essential part of their lives.
Rather than seeking alternatives or surrendering the dogs to a shelter, he opted for what is known as “convenience euthanasia”.
Convenience euthanasia is a term used when a pet’s life is ended due to it no longer fitting into the owner’s lifestyle. [1]
Fortunately, the veterinarian declined to euthanize Cosmo and Sam, recognizing that they were in excellent health and did not warrant such a fate. “None of us wish to terminate a pet’s life unless it’s to alleviate suffering,” expressed the vet.
Subsequently, Cosmo and Sam were transferred to Begin Again Rescue Co (BARC), a non-profit, foster-based dog rescue organization situated in Valparaiso, Indiana.
A Forever Home for Cosmo and Sam
Recovering from the emotional trauma of abandonment took some time for Cosmo and Sam. However, with the compassionate assistance of the volunteers at BARC, they gradually resumed their normal activities such as eating and playing.
Securing a permanent home for a pair of senior dogs who were deeply bonded was a challenging task, despite the fact that they still had a zest for life.
After several months of unsuccessful attempts to find a home, Cosmo and Sam were taken to P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, a no-kill animal shelter in Illinois, USA, which extended its support.
Adoption usually takes longer for senior dogs, but fortunately, Cosmo and Sam found their forever home in early December 2018.
They were welcomed into the home of Eric and Tiffany Dybas, a couple who had recently experienced the loss of their cherished dog and had been touched by Cosmo and Sam’s story.
“Gratitude to our allies at P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, as Sam and Cosmo are comfortably nestled on a couch this evening! They were exceptionally well-behaved during their visit to Santa, and now their Christmas wish has been fulfilled! They have found a home!,” was shared in a Facebook post by BARC.
As per the shelter’s report, the two handsome lads are thoroughly enjoying their new home, receiving an abundance of pampering and love.
