Family says beloved pug declared euthanized was later found living with clinic staff

Family says pug was taken home

The family was told by staff at Senoia Animal Hospital that Cha Cha had organ failure and diabetic ketoacidosis, and that euthanasia was recommended. Her owner, Belote, said the family paid hundreds of dollars for the procedure.

A former hospital worker later told Belote that Cha Cha had not been euthanized and had instead gone home with a female employee. Belote said the employee’s husband eventually confirmed that his wife had kept the pug for months and that the dog was healthy.

Owner alleges dog was euthanized

Belote said she contacted the clinic after hearing the allegations, but the hospital denied them, according to WSB-TV. She alleges that the clinic later put Cha Cha down to conceal what had happened. Belote described the alleged decision as “sick.” She also spoke about the close bond between Cha Cha and her 17-year-old son, saying they wore matching hoodies and that he carried the dog almost everywhere.

Police and county response

The Senoia Police Department said it would not bring criminal charges against employees involved in the two incidents, Fox 5 Atlanta reported. The article also describes an earlier case involving a different family whose 19-year-old cat was believed to have been euthanized but was later found alive with someone else.