Additional Coverage:
A Utah couple is grieving after their beloved dog was mistakenly euthanized during what was supposed to be a routine veterinary appointment.
Cody and Amy Zylks had already been mourning the recent loss of their other dog, Remy, who had been with them for 16 years and was taken to Southern Utah Animal Hospital for cremation. On the morning of Remy’s cremation, Cody called the animal hospital to schedule an allergy shot for their dog Lily.
Cody confirmed the appointment details over the phone and again in person with a receptionist, who verified Lily’s name and the purpose of the visit. However, during the appointment, what was expected to be a simple allergy injection turned tragic.
As the vet administered the shot, Lily suddenly went limp. When Cody asked why, the vet told him it was a euthanasia injection.
Overcome with shock and grief, Cody fell to the floor and pleaded, “Why did you euthanize the dog? That was supposed to be an allergy shot.”
According to Cody, the vet appeared indifferent and suggested they “just buy a new dog,” a response that only added to their heartbreak. Cody expressed that Lily was irreplaceable, calling her “my baby” and lamenting the devastating oversight.
Amy later recounted receiving a phone call from the vet apologizing for the mistake, though she said his tone felt dismissive, as if the loss was merely an inconvenience rather than a tragedy.
The veterinary clinic explained that the error occurred because a cat scheduled for euthanasia at the same time as Lily’s appointment did not show up, leading to the mix-up of injections.
Dr. Zachary Francisco, who provided a statement to the Zylks family, acknowledged the “major error” and offered his sincerest apologies.
He explained that during a surgery, he was informed by a technician that euthanasia was to be performed, and after checking with Cody, he proceeded. It was only after the euthanasia was completed that Cody clarified the dog was only supposed to receive an allergy shot.
Dr. Francisco emphasized the clinic’s commitment to preserving animal life and vowed to take steps to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. He expressed his deepest condolences to the Zylks family for the heartbreaking loss of Lily.