UPDATE: Best Friends Animal Society posted on their blog that Bela's health suddenly declined over the weekend and fast-growing cancer was found in his lungs. It was determined that he would only last a few more days, and because he was in distress, the decision to euthanize Bela was made. The dog will be cremated and the ashes will be buried with his owner's ashes, as was requested in the owner's will.
Bela arrived at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah in time to begin the new year in a safe and loving environment where his behavior issues can be addressed. Read the original story below.
An Indiana woman loved her dog so much she wanted her ashes mixed with the dog's ashes and buried with her when she died.
The woman, Connie Lay, recently died. But there is one big problem with carrying out her final wish: her dog is still alive.
The German shepherd named Bela is facing a potential death sentence due to the woman's unusual request that she included in her will.
The request is legal, according to her attorney, Doug Denmure, who was interviewed by WCPO.
Furthermore, Denmure says the dog has aggression issues that pose a risk to other animals and human handlers. The attorney said a veterinarian consulted on the matter recommended that the 105-pound dog be euthanized.
However, there was one alternative outcome for Bela that Lay included in her will. That was for the dog to be transported to Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. It is up to a friend named in the will to see if that can be arranged. If it proves too difficult or expensive, then the dog will be euthanized.
There is no deadline on when the decision has to be made, according to Denmure.
Currently, Bella is residing at the PAWS Humane Center.
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