Tragedy Unfolds: Microchipped Dog Euthanized Despite Owner’s Efforts
A Devastating Loss
A South Florida dog owner, Lazaro Gonzalez, is still reeling from the loss of his beloved pet, King Odin, who was microchipped but ultimately euthanized by Miami-Dade Animal Services. Despite the owner’s efforts to locate his dog, the tragic event has left him seeking answers.
The Story of King Odin
In February 2023, King Odin went missing from his yard while a friend was watching him. Lazaro reported the incident to Miami-Dade Police, but he was busy caring for his terminally ill father and didn’t have much time to search for his pet. The police told him that if King Odin ended up at an animal shelter, he would be scanned for a microchip.
A Year of Silence
A year went by with no answers, until Lazaro saw a picture of King Odin on WSVN.com. He immediately recognized his dog and contacted Miami-Dade Animal Services. However, he was denied information over the phone and was told he would have to come to the shelter in Doral for more information.
The Devastating Truth
When Lazaro arrived at the shelter, a volunteer privately told him the bad news: King Odin had been adopted out eight months after he went missing and was brought back to the shelter in October 2023, where he was humanely euthanized.
Questions Remain
Lazaro is left with many unanswered questions. Why wasn’t he contacted when King Odin was brought to the shelter? Why wasn’t his friend, who was listed as an emergency contact, contacted? The shelter’s response is that Lazaro’s dog was not registered with the county, and that he should have updated his contact information with the chip provider.
Conclusion
The tragic story of King Odin serves as a reminder of the importance of microchipping, registering, and maintaining updated contact details with the chip provider. It also highlights the need for better communication between animal shelters and pet owners. Lazaro’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating consequences of not being proactive in keeping our pets safe.
FAQs
Q: Why wasn’t Lazaro contacted when King Odin was brought to the shelter?
A: The shelter claims that Lazaro’s dog was not registered with the county, and that he should have updated his contact information with the chip provider.
Q: Why wasn’t Lazaro’s friend, who was listed as an emergency contact, contacted?
A: The shelter did not provide a response to this question.
Q: What can pet owners do to prevent a similar tragedy from occurring?
A: Pet owners should ensure that their pets are microchipped, registered with the county, and that their contact information is updated with the chip provider. They should also keep their contact information up to date with the shelter and provide emergency contact information.
