Imagine being told that your 15-year-old dog, whom you’ve had since he was a little puppy, needs to be euthanized because he was so sick. Now, imagine discovering 5 months later that he had not been euthanized like you had been told, but was actually living with a former employee of the veterinary clinic you had taken your dog to.
Keri Levy of Howell, NJ doesn’t have to imagine. That’s exactly what happened to her family.
In May of this year, Dr. Menez of Briarwood Veterinary Hospital told Levy that Ceaser, her Miniature Pinscher, was suffering from Cushing’s disease, an endocrine disorder. He suggested the pup be euthanized due to how much his quality of life had already gone downhill. Levy left Ceaser at the hospital under the impression that he would be euthanized and she received a call later that evening saying that he was “at peace” and that she could come pick up his collar.
Five months later, Levy received an anonymous tip that Ceaser was actually living with a former employee of Briarwood. After she reached out to authorities to report that her dog had been stolen, the person returned Ceaser in worse shape than he had been in 5 months ago. He had received no veterinary care and had lost 10 pounds since Levy had last seen him.
Levy and her mother spent about an hour with Ceaser while he was checked out by another vet before he was finally assisted over the Rainbow Bridge and given peace, once and for all.
Briarwood is currently under new ownership, and neither Dr. Menez nor the person who stole Ceaser work there anymore. Police are deciding whether or not to file charges.
via Whisker Therapy