It’s heartbreaking to imagine how anyone could consider their dogs, who have been loyal companions for nearly a decade, as disposable. But for Cosmo and Sam, a bonded pair of senior dogs, that was their unfortunate reality when their owner decided to have them euthanized simply because they no longer “fit” his lifestyle.
After living with their owner for ten years, Cosmo, a small Labrador Retriever mix, and Sam, a Pointer, were taken to their local vet clinic with an unimaginable request. Their owner asked for both of them to be euthanized because he was moving in with his girlfriend, who was allergic to dogs. Rather than finding a solution or even surrendering them to a shelter, he opted for what’s known as “convenience euthanasia,” a term that refers to ending an animal’s life simply because they’ve become inconvenient.
Luckily, the vet refused to carry out the request, explaining, “None of us want to end a pet’s life unless it is to prevent suffering.” Cosmo and Sam were healthy and happy; they didn’t deserve to die because of a lifestyle change. Instead of following through with this terrible decision, the vet took immediate action and reached out to Begin Again Rescue Co. (BARC), a foster-based, non-profit dog rescue located in Valparaiso, Indiana.
Despite the trauma of being abandoned, Cosmo and Sam found themselves in safe hands at BARC. The volunteers worked tirelessly to help them recover, allowing the dogs to regain their trust in humans. Slowly but surely, Cosmo and Sam began to eat, play, and behave like their old selves. However, as senior dogs, finding a forever home proved to be challenging. Even though they still had plenty of life and love to give, older dogs are often overlooked in favor of younger pets.
After a few months passed without success in finding them a permanent home, Cosmo and Sam were transferred to P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, a no-kill animal shelter in Illinois, USA, that agreed to take them in and help in their search. It’s usually difficult for senior dogs to get adopted quickly, but in this case, fate was on their side.
Eric and Tiffany Dybas, a couple who had recently lost their beloved dog, came across Cosmo and Sam’s story and immediately fell in love with them. They decided to open their hearts and home to these two sweet boys, giving them the second chance they deserved.
Now, Cosmo and Sam are thriving in their new home, where they are cherished and loved. According to the shelter’s post on Facebook, “Sam and Cosmo are laying on a comfy couch tonight!” They’ve been treated like royalty, even getting a chance to visit Santa, and their Christmas wish for a forever home came true.
The story of Cosmo and Sam is a reminder of the deep bond between humans and their pets and how devastating it can be when that bond is broken. But it’s also a story of hope, showing that even when all seems lost, there are always people willing to step in and give these animals the love and care they deserve. Thanks to the incredible work of both BARC and P.A.W.S. Tinley Park, Cosmo and Sam now have a family that treasures them, and they will never have to face abandonment again.
It’s important to remember that pets are family, not just until they become inconvenient, but for their entire lives.
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