Family takes final trip with their dog before planned euthanasia over behavioral issue — but one day at the beach proved the vets wrong

Rue no longer had to wear a muzzle, something she once had to wear all the time unless crated or eating.

PUBLISHED 10 HOURS AGO

(L) A sad-looking dog at the vet. (R) A happy owner with her pet dog on the beach. (Representative Cover Image Source: Getty Images | (L) Antonio_Diaz, (R) David Petrus Ibars)

Sometimes, stories shared on social media stay with you long after you have scrolled past. One recent video posted by a TikTok user, who goes by the handle @bear_the_brittany_beagle, on January 21, 2025, did just that. The reel, a montage of beach scenes and happy dogs, held more than sunny skies and wagging tails. It carried a deeply personal journey of heartbreak, hope, and an unexpected twist. What was decided to be a memorable beach vacation turned out to be a complete game-changer for the owner's pet, who was scheduled to be euthanized.

Beagle pet dog at the beach. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | David Petrus Ibars)

The video follows Rue, one of the owner’s beloved dogs, who was facing a serious health issue. After more than a year of trying different treatments, the vets said behavioral euthanasia (B.E.) was the only option left. “I tried for over a year to fix the issues,” the owner shared in the compilation of pictures. When nothing worked, she made the difficult decision to schedule Rue’s euthanasia. Wanting Rue’s final days to be filled with joy, she planned an “end-of-life trip," a 16-hour drive to Florida with her three dogs.

A sad pet owner with her dog. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Solovyova)

In Florida, everything changed. Rue, who had been struggling with behavioral episodes, suddenly seemed at peace. “Rue had no episodes while in Florida. Which of course made me happy,” the owner wrote. They spent every day at the beach, took special “end of life” photos, and enjoyed each other’s company. The calm Rue experienced made the owner question everything. “Seeing she can be episode-free made me wonder what I was doing wrong this whole time,” she admitted. Despite visits to multiple vets and specialists who agreed euthanasia was the kindest option, Rue showed small signs of improvement once they returned home. "We came home, and Rue was still okay... small episodes here and there," the owner shared about her condition.

Sad beagle. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Manuel Breva Colmeiro)

The most surprising part? Rue no longer had to wear a muzzle, something she once had to wear all the time unless crated or eating. While the cause of her improvement is still unknown, her owner shared the most hopeful update yet, “While I don't know what made her improve, I do know that euthanasia is on hold... and hopefully not scheduled until she is old and gray.” The story struck a chord with viewers, who praised the owner for her compassion and honesty.

Owner with pet dog at beach. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | Manuel Breva Colmeiro)

Countless internet users flooded the comment section with warm messages. @needthebeachnow shared her personal experience, "I rescued a dog who had been a victim of horrible abuse. That first year, I thought euth would have been kind for her. A switch happened at one year, and I had her for 14 more years [sic]. She just took longer to trust." @juani_mnz commented, "She’s fighting her demons, just like you are fighting to keep her here. Go, Rue!"

Pet dog sleeping in its owner's lap. (Representative Image Source: Getty Images | champpixs)

One user, @pipidomioo, suggested, "Get the house checked for mold as well. Had a client who had some in the walls of her apartment. The dogs' behavior since moving has completely changed." @gooddogsquad wrote, "As a trainer, stories like this keep me going. I remember when you originally posted about it, and this is so incredible to see now."

For more dog content, follow @bear_the_brittany_beagle on TikTok.