Many people treasure their dogs like family, yet sometimes, not everyone shows that same affection.
The Heartbreaking Decision
In June 2018, a shocking decision was made by a man in Indiana, USA. He wanted his two dogs, Cosmo, a small Labrador Retriever mix, and Sam, a Pointer, euthanized. These senior dogs had not only shared a home with him for nearly a decade but were also in perfect health and shared a special bond.
The reason behind this harsh choice? The man was moving in with his girlfriend who was allergic to dogs and viewed the dogs as an inconvenience rather than family members.
Rather than rehoming them or taking them to a shelter, he opted for what is known as “convenience euthanasia,” a request to put animals down simply because they no longer fit into one’s lifestyle.
A Second Chance Begins
Fortunately, the veterinarian recognized that Cosmo and Sam were healthy and didn’t deserve such a fate. “None of us want to end a pet’s life unless it is to prevent suffering,” stated the vet, who refused the request.
New Beginnings at the Rescue
Following the vet’s refusal, Cosmo and Sam were taken in by Begin Again Rescue Co, a foster-based, non-profit dog rescue in Valparaiso, Indiana. There, they began to recover from their ordeal. Despite the challenge of finding adopters for a bonded pair of older dogs, the rescue was committed to helping them.
Finding Love Again
After a few months without a forever home, Cosmo and Sam were transferred to P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, a no-kill animal shelter in Illinois, which stepped in to assist.
By December 2018, they were adopted by Eric and Tiffany Dybas, who had recently lost their own dog and felt a connection to Cosmo and Sam after hearing about their story.
A Joyful Update
Thanks to the support from the shelter and their new family, Cosmo and Sam found happiness again. A Facebook post by the rescue celebrated their new life: “Thanks to our friends at P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, Sam and Cosmo are laying on a comfy couch tonight!
They were so good when they visited Santa and now their Christmas wish came true! They have a home!” Now, they are living their best lives, spoiled and cherished in their new home.
