Dog Found Alive 5 Months After Supposed Euthanization

HOWELL, NJ — Howell Township police say they are continuing to investigate the circumstances of how a dog that had been brought to a veterinarian to be euthanized wound up at the home of an employee of the veterinary practice.

Howell Detective Sgt. Christian Antunez said Keri Levy of Freehold Township called Howell police Monday after learning her 15-year-old miniature pinscher, Ceasar, was still alive five months after she had taken him to Briarwood Veterinary Hospital in May and was living with an employee. Antunez said she had taken the dog to be euthanized because it was in declining health. Ceasar suffered from Cushing's disease, an endocrine disorder, Levy told NJ.com.

Levy brought the dog to Briarwood on May 17, 2017 to be euthanized, Antunez said. Instead, "Dr. George Menez, the previous veterinarian at Briarwood, allowed an employee at the office assisting in the procedure to take Ceasar home," Antunez said.

Watch: Dog Found Alive 5 Months After Supposed Euthanization

"This employee wanted to do so out of compassion for the dog and a desire to rehabilitate his health, albeit without the owner's consent," Antunez said. On Oct. 16, Levy contacted the police department, and within hours, arrangements were made to have the dog returned to her, Antunez said.

"The employee who was caring for the dog immediately returned the dog to Ms. Levy, who then had the dog euthanized. Howell Police were present for the exchange," he said. The Monmouth County SCPA is assisting in the investigation, he said.

"There has been mention over social media that Ceasar was suffering, but at the time of the dog's return, officers and the detective investigating found the dog to be in good spirits and no obvious signs of neglect were apparent," Antunez said. "However, the dog's condition and attention it was given during the last 5 months will be a matter more appropriately investigated by the MCSPCA."

Levy told NJ.com that Ceasar had lost 10 pounds and appeared to be suffering. After Levy and her mom spent an hour with Ceasar on Monday, the dog was put to sleep, she told NJ.com.

Levy said Menez lied to her in May when his office called to say Ceasar was "at peace," she told NJ.com.

The NJ.com report said Menez is no longer with Briarwood. Antunez said the new owner refunded the money she paid for the euthanization that did not happen.

Antunez said neither Menez nor the employee who took the dog home have been charged with anything, but the matter is still under investigation.

Image via Morguefile