I returned my dog to rescue org and they put her down

[Anonymous]

Sadly, after five years, I had to return my rescue dog due to (my) chronic illness. She was well loved and I returned her with medical records, and a generous donation to the org. Her profile went up on their website, and when it was gone the next day, I happily emailed to ask if it meant she was re-homed. I was informed that she had cancer that was quite attached and even with surgery, would grow back, not to mention the healing process would have been hard on her and they wouldn't have been able to adopt her out.

They put her down.

Should the org have told me before they put her down and/or AT LEAST asked if I'd already had the area tested? I had. Twice. Both times negative. She was overweight and it was a fatty cyst. They had the medical records. Further, couldn't they have told me the lengths they took to confirm it was actually cancer, besides a physical exam? I emailed a few times. They did not respond.

All I wanted was for her to have the life she deserved, and but failed. Yes, I signed my rights away to her, and am owed nothing. But how would you feel?

[Anonymous]

You gave up your rights to her. You should have found a home for her.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry for your loss, OP, but under the circumstances I think they did the right thing for your dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You gave up your rights to her. You should have found a home for her.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the OP, but don't most rescues have a "you have to return the animal to us if you can't keep it for whatever reason" clause?

I'd be very upset, OP. I'm sorry.

[Anonymous]

You're required by contract to return the rescue dog to the organization if re-homing is necessary.

[Anonymous]

I would be livid and heartbroken. Sorry, OP. Write an email to the director of the org and copy everyone whose contact info you can find. Maybe they'll be more careful next time.

[Anonymous]

I'm so sorry and I'd be very sad, but I don't think the rescue organization is at fault here.

[Anonymous]

i think that you should have tried (very very hard) to personally re home her. If that wasn't possible I would have kept her even if it meant compromising my health. I would have kept her until I personally found a suitable home.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry; that is a tough situation. I assume they did what they did for a reason. I know it doesn’t make you feel any better, but lots and lots of animals are put down by rescues and shelters for all sorts of reasons. There just aren’t enough homes and enough space to keep the ones who aren’t immeminently adoptable. If they’re not in a home, they’re often not safe.

[Anonymous]

OP, since you don't know what kinds of testing they did before making that determination, so you don't know that your tests weren't wrong or that the situation hadn't changed since you last had it checked. While I realize it's painful for you to know your dog was put down and not have answers, I can also understand why they're not responding to you further on this. From their perspective, there may be no answer they could give you that would satisfy you, and depending on what kind of person you are (which they don't know, so this isn't a value judgment about you personally), they may be concerned that the more information they give you, the more you might argue it with them and/or try to use that information to try to hurt their organization.

And even if they did contact you, what would happen if you disagreed with their diagnosis and/or approach? You weren't in a position to take your dog back and you couldn't force them to change their plan, so you'd still be where you are now.

[Anonymous]

OP Here - thanks All. Everyone makes excellent points. It's been months now, and I still feel guilty and heartbroken. Appreciate the feedback.

[Anonymous]

What did you think happens when you surrender your dog? Sad but true. I'm sorry.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You gave up your rights to her. You should have found a home for her.

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the OP, but don't most rescues have a "you have to return the animal to us if you can't keep it for whatever reason" clause?

I'd be very upset, OP. I'm sorry.

Yes, but they don't mean it.

[Anonymous]

OP, would you consider naming the rescue? We give money to several area groups. I would hate that we are supporting this group. OP did what she was supposed to do. It's in the contract--they want any new owner to have to go through hoops to verify the new home is a good one. I think it's awful they didn't respond to OP. It sounds like they were acting rashly. Sadly, I think that you become a little numb and that there are just so many animals that need help that you go through compassion fatigue when you rescue. But "rescue" is in the title, it's not a kill shelter.