“Euthanized” dog found living with a new owner

I’m not sure if this is a sad story, a happy story or just a weird story.

Probably all three.

A New Mexico woman’s one-year-old Chihuahua Lola was viciously attacked by another dog four months ago.

Lisa Gossett was told by the veterinarian that she had two choices:

"Pay out all this money and there's a 20% chance that she'll live or euthanize her, so it was hard," said Gossett.

Since she didn’t want Lola to suffer, she signed an agreement, paid the fee for cremation, and said goodbye to her dog. It was especially hard on her five-year-old daughter who prayed to see Lola again.

This week Gosset got a phone call from the company that programs ID microchips requesting a switch of Lola’s chip to a new owner.

"And I said 'oh no, you're mistaken Lola is not alive we had her put down she was in an accident’ and they said ‘no ma'am in fact she is alive and there's a request for ownership for her,’" said Gossett.

It seems that when Gossett signed the document to euthanize Lola, she was surrendering all rights of ownership of the dog. According to Gosset, that had not been explained to her.

The veterinarian charged the fees, but then turned the dog over to Second Chance, which rehabilitates injured dogs. They assigned a foster home for Lola’s recovery.

After finding out the situation, Second Chance put Gossett in touch with Lola’s new owner, Leslie Mason. Mason had no idea of the background and believed only that the dog needed to be nursed back to health. She had recently lost a dog and helping Lola recover was the only thing that got her through.

In an act of supreme kindness Gosset and her daughter agreed to let Mason keep the dog she had nursed back to health. I’m sure this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

A couple of observations:

As painful as euthanasia is for us, a dog should die in the arms of her owner and not be carried away in her last moments of life by a stranger.

Without hearing the veterinarian side, I am reluctant to comment, but charging for a service not performed is unethical and could result in a heartbreaking situation. The story

Comments

[Kolchak & Jodi]

That vet should be ashamed. Any owner, knowing they couldn't afford the bills should at least be told if there is a rescue that will accept such animals. To have collected to cremation fee is absolutely unethical. If I had paid that fee, would be demanding the full amount be returned (and then I would promptly give it to the rescue that saved my dog.)

I do agree though, I would never allow my pup to be put to sleep without a loved one there. I just couldn't do it.

[Jet]

I have heard from vets that a lot of people don't want to be there when their dog is euthanised. It makes it harder on the vet as well, not to have the dog's owner there to hold it and say goodbye. I held my first dog while the vet put her to sleep and it was the hardest thing I have ever done, but there is no way that I would elect to not be there.

[geogia little pea]

I don't understand the action of the vet. As Jodi mentioned, he/she should have told Gossett about the rescue. Still, a very good ending for Lola, to beloved by not just 1 but 2 families.

[Sherry in MT]

I totally agree with your summation. Not an ethical vet at ALL and I also don't understand people not staying with their pets as they pass over but also know many just cannot bear it.

[Nanny McFur]

Thanks for sharing. That is shocking. Sounds like a very dishonest vet. Even though she signed a contract I would suggest discussing this with a lawyer - or the veterinarian's governing body.

[jackie]

the vet is an asshole and should be reported.

[Anji]

Not ethical! Taking money for a service that is not carried out is STEALING.(lets call a spade a spade) I imagine it would have been expensive too.

I'm sure that karma will repay Mrs Gossett for her generosity in the best possible way.

[Jodi]

That definitely falls into the weird category in my book.

Number one I would never let my dog be put down without me being there. I was there when we had to euthanize my little beagle Roxanne, it was the worst thing I've ever done in my entire life, but I couldn't let her life end on a table surrounded by people who didn't love her.

Second, I would sue that Vet for emotional damages (thinking her dog was dead) and make sure they NEVER worked as a vet again. Totally UNETHICAL!!

Happy though that the dog turned out alive.

[Ethel]

REally scary that when one person can't afford the care and animal needs it is recommended that they be put down, it is done everyday in america. from cats dogs hamsters ferrets to pet mice to horses and other breeds to many to mention, as bad as the situation was at least the little dog got to live thank god for rescue people. I do not believe that the owner should have been notified

[Ethel]

Sorry I do think the owner should have been notified of this option Life is always a better option if availabl. Sorry she had to suffer that loss needlessly. I have lost quite a few dogs and cats during my life which this could have been available for some of my pets Euthanaia is the last recourse to end their suffering I had to do that to my 14 yr old cat who was severely injured her life quality would have been not good even with the thousands of dollars that were needed to help her thru that trauma. I have always brought them home for burial thankfully I have property for that! People that live in apartments do not generally!

[tulsa]

This is sad.