Dogs show us the power of unwavering loyalty and unconditional love. They will never forsake a member of their pack and will always be there when needed. Sadly, some humans are less devoted, often going as far as to abandon or even put down their pet.
It was a heartbreaking story that came out of Indiana about a man who took his two senior dogs - Cosmo, a lab-mix, and Sam, a pointer - to the vet to be put down, even though the dogs were content and healthy. The man had been with the pups for 10 years, but he was now leaving them behind due to his plans to move in with his girlfriend, who was allergic to the animals. Instead of taking them to a shelter, he thought that “convenience euthanasia” was the most suitable solution.
Penny Emerson, president of Begin Again Rescue Co., told The (Northwest Indiana) Times that convenience euthanasia occurs when an owner opts to end their pet's life, despite being healthy, because they no longer fit into their lives. Emerson expressed sadness at the situation, saying, "Apparently there was a change in his life plans, and they weren't a part of that. It was really sad."
The vet and staff were thankful that they weren't forced to euthanize Cosmo and Sam. "Ending a pet's life is never our first choice," the vet said. They contacted Begin Again Rescue, who took them in and made them available for adoption. It was hard to find a suitable home, considering the elderly dogs were a bonded pair.