Vet Adopts Puppy Scheduled for Euthanasia, Gives Him a Second Chance at Life

For veterinarians, difficult choices often come with the job. But for Dr. Oliver Reeve, co-founder of Onewa Road Veterinary Hospital, one moment in the exam room completely changed the future of a seven-week-old Golden Doodle named Toby.

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Toby’s owner had brought him in with the heartbreaking request to have him euthanized due to a birth defect. Dr. Reeve understood how challenging the decision must have been, and he respected the owner for seeking professional help rather than abandoning the puppy. Still, he immediately began considering another path—one that would give Toby the chance to live.

Without revealing the exact nature of the defect, Dr. Reeve determined it could be surgically corrected. Confident in his ability to provide the necessary care—and backed by his wife, who was already used to their busy household of rescued pets, including a dog, cat, rat, and three rabbits—he offered to adopt Toby himself. The owner agreed, and Toby’s fate shifted from tragedy to hope in an instant.

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That very evening, Toby went home with Dr. Reeve. Within days, he had undergone two successful surgeries, with one final corrective procedure planned for when he is older. The transformation was remarkable: in less than a week, Toby went from facing the end of his life to being a cherished family member with a promising future.

Dr. Reeve envisions Toby as a “vet’s dog,” joining him at the clinic, greeting clients, and soaking up affection from staff and visitors. At home, Toby has already formed a bond with Danni, the family’s other dog, and is settling into his new life with playful energy and curiosity.

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What could have been a heartbreaking ending became a story of compassion, skill, and hope. For Dr. Reeve, adopting Toby will remain one of the most meaningful choices of his career—a reminder that sometimes the greatest medicine is simply giving a second chance.

This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.