Florida Family Forced to Euthanize Puppy Adopted from County Shelter

Devastating Puppy Adoption

• 💔 A Lakeland family is heartbroken after being forced to euthanize their adopted puppy, Azie, just before Christmas.
• 🐶 Azie, a 10-week-old puppy, was adopted from the Pulk County Animal Control Shelter during a free adoption event.

Puppy's Sudden Illness

• 🩺 Shortly after adoption, Azie became lethargic, and a family vet diagnosed a severe lung infection.
• 🏥 The puppy's lungs were so filled with mucus that the veterinarian described them as entirely white, indicating a critical condition.
• 💸 The estimated cost for hospitalization and treatment was between $15,000 to $20,000, with no guarantee of recovery.

Difficult Decision and Shelter Response

• 😔 Faced with overwhelming medical costs and a grim prognosis, the family made the agonizing decision to euthanize Azie.
• 📢 The Pulk County Sheriff's Office, which runs the shelter, stated they do not knowingly adopt out sick animals and that any animal showing symptoms is treated by a veterinary team.
• 🗣️ A spokesperson mentioned that the shelter would have accepted the dog back if they had been notified of the illness, noting they were informed of wheezing four days after the adoption.
• 🚫 The family expressed frustration, suggesting sick animals should be separated from healthy ones at the shelter.
• 🦠 The Sheriff's Office confirmed there is no viral infection outbreak at the shelter.