Veterinarians have the right to tell an owner no when it comes to euthanizing a healthy dog. This is the case when ethics come into play. What would you do if you were asked to euthanize a dog because the late owner wrote this request into their will so their beloved pet could be buried...with them?
Another question for you. What would you do if you worked at the shelter the dog was brought to after the owner passed knowing you'd have to hand this dog off to a vet to euthanize the animal when you're confident you can re-home this dog with no problem?
These are the circumstances in this story.
Emma, a healthy Shih Tzu mix, was euthanized because her owner left explicit instructions in her will. The dog was to be put down and laid to rest with her.
The NYPost.com tells us,
"Heartbroken" shelter volunteers at Chesterfield County Animal Services — where Emma had a two-week reprieve from death — said she was a well-bred, pampered and much-loved pup. They appealed to the executor of the dead woman's estate, begging them to not go through with ending Emma's life — but their pleas were ignored."
"We did suggest they could sign the dog over on numerous occasions — because it's a dog we could easily find a home for and re-home," Carrie Jones, manager of Chesterfield County Animal Services, tells WWBT NBC. "But ultimately, they came back in on March 22nd and redeemed the dog."
This is the wonderful team that supported Emma. She was taken directly to a vet to be euthanized.
This story happened in Virginia and with few exceptions, burying animal remains with human remains in the same cemetery plot is against the law. A licensed funeral director would likely lose their license if they performed this service.
"While Virginia Cemetery code 54.1-2310 forbids pets to be buried with humans in commercial cemeteries, there are exceptions for private and family-owned cemeteries."
Also, it would be very difficult in any state to find a vet that would put down a healthy animal.
What do you think of this incredible story? Please leave a comment below.
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