Dogs Adopted After Indiana Owner's Euthanasia Request Denied

VALPARAISO, IN — Two Indiana dogs are at a new home together months after their owner of 10 years tried getting them euthanized in the wake of moving in with girlfriend who said she was allergic. The Northwest Indiana Times said the pet pair, Sam and Cosmo, were taken to a Portage veterinarian's office where their owner wanted to have them euthanized, leading to a conversation of "convenience euthanasia." According to the news report, the vet refused to put them down because the dogs were friendly and healthy, and were then sent in June to Begin Again Rescue Co. in Valparaiso, before being taken to Peoples Animal Welfare Society in Tinley Park where they were adopted out.

According to The Times, convenience euthanasia occurs when owners have healthy pets euthanized for personal or "convenience" reasons. Many veterinarians deal with the requests, yet also intervene on the animal's behalf.

"I, for one, and many many other veterinarians, do now feel comfortable telling people that we will not perform a euthanasia procedure without appropriate justification," Dr. Cantrell, a veterinarian who is a member of the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, said, according to The Times. The news report added that Cantrell said these requests can impact the mental health of vet professionals.

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According to The Times, Sam, a Pointer, and Cosmo, a Lab mix, were recently adopted by a loving couple in Lockport, Illinois, where the furry friends spent Christmas and are now "enjoying their new lives."

Image via Patch file photo