Family surrenders dog to shelter for euthanasia – but staff discovers he’s not alone
Heartbreaking twist unfolds when shelter realizes the dog came with an unexpected companion
In a story that highlights both heartbreak and hope, a rescue group in California, Hearts for Paws, shared a touching tale of two surrendered dogs who narrowly avoided a grim fate. These dogs, Godric and Sadie, were both given up by the same family who, rather than rehoming them, requested they be euthanized.
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities pet owners bear—and the resilience and kindness of shelters committed to saving lives.
Godric, a 3-year-old black Labrador retriever, was handed over to Hearts for Paws with a request for euthanasia after he reportedly bit the family’s baby. According to the family, the child crawled into Godric’s food bowl, leading to the bite. However, Hearts for Paws staff described Godric as “exceptionally sweet” and were shocked by the family’s insistence on having him put down.
In a twist that deepened the heartbreak, the shelter soon discovered that Godric wasn’t alone. While playing in the shelter yard, he crossed paths with a familiar face—Sadie, a 6-year-old dog surrendered by the same family just weeks earlier.
The family had asked for Sadie to be euthanized as well, citing that she “growled” at their baby. For Hearts for Paws, this discovery reinforced the importance of proper pet ownership and communication: growling, they noted, is simply a dog’s way of expressing discomfort and a critical signal to prevent escalation to biting.
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The shelter shared this story publicly to highlight the importance of responsible pet rehoming. Hearts for Paws emphasized that if a family feels they cannot safely care for their pets, it’s essential to explore rehoming options. Simply labeling dogs as “aggressive” and seeking euthanasia as a solution not only misrepresents the animals but overlooks better paths forward.
This story struck a chord with people online, many of whom expressed sadness and frustration with the family’s decisions. “Some people don’t deserve dogs,” commented one person, while another shared their experiences working with shelter dogs who, despite being surrendered as “aggressive,” turned out to be kind-hearted animals when given proper care and love.
Thankfully, both dogs’ futures look brighter. Godric is now in a foster-to-adopt home, receiving a second chance at life and companionship. Sadie, though still seeking a forever home, was transferred to another shelter, Miranda’s Rescue, where she has a shot at finding a loving family who understands her needs.
This story reminds us that pets aren’t disposable. They depend on us to provide them with safe, loving homes, and if circumstances change, they deserve a chance for a better life elsewhere. Let’s continue advocating for responsible pet ownership and celebrating the work of rescues like Hearts for Paws who go above and beyond to protect these animals.
What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think the family could have handled the situation differently? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this story to help raise awareness.
