*DISTRESSING* awful story - WWYD?

[Peace]

This is a yucky story to have heard and to type so I hope I don't upset anyone too much by asking for help. Dog lovers may find this difficult.

My mum has an old golden retriever who she adopted a few years ago and has adored ever since. Just a couple of weeks ago another dog attacked its face and mum was left with a couple grand vet bill for surgery, tests and modicines ect to repair him. It had been a tough couple of weeks for him so she booked him into a groomer to clean him up, hair cut nail cut etc thinking he'd get pampered.

She dropped him off this morning and the groomer called a while later saying he had fallen off the bench and was at the vet next door to the groomer and needed to be picked up. Mum asked if he had broken any bones and they said no he has not broken any bones.

She went to the vet to find that her poor dog had passed away. The groomer had put him on a bench, put a choker collar on that was attached the bench by a short lead and then had left the room. The dog had fallen from the bench and been strangled. When the groomer came back in to find the dog hanging, she took him across to the vet, who confirmed that he hadnt broken his neck but would not come back.

Mum went back to the groomer to get the dogs collar and simply had the groomer tell her that he was so old that he must have been unbalanced and thats why it happened. She also apologised and was crying. She was only young and knew she had obviously made a terrible mistake.

The vet rang later on to check on mum and said that they could not believe the negligence and would help with anything that they could.

Mum is just so distrought - this is a terrible way for a dog to go. Its just brutal. Something has to change at this place! Their negligence is appalling and this should never happen when you trust your pet to them.

So what do we do? Who do we contact to ensure they are held liable to incur the costs of having him cremated etc and to ensure that something in that place changes so this cannot happen again?

[Novella]

I'm so sorry for your family's loss of your beloved dog in such tragic circumstances. I'm also sorry the incident was handled with so little tact by the groomer, although it sounds like they were also distressed.

In the first instance I would contact the manager of the groomers and discuss it with them. I would think that the last thing they would want is to have another tragedy like this occur. I would be asking them what changes to their procedures/equipment they are going to change to avoid this in the future and would also discuss costs with them.

If you do not get the answer you hope when dealing management maybe some one else can point you in the right direction as I'm unsure exactly where you could escalate it to

[mozzle]

Oh preggoeggo how incredibly awful, I am a dog owner and can't even begin to imagine the trauma your mum is going through.

Could she perhaps try asking the groomers nicely (I know that sounds difficult to do given the circumstances) if they will contribute towards the expenses? All I can think of is if she goes in with an angry approach then they will probably say no. Not sure, but maybe the groomers have insurance to protect themselves from any pet injuries that occur whilst the animal is in their care?

[lct76]

Hi, I am not sure what advice to give, but I couldn't just read this and not say how utterly saddened I am for your mother. She must be so shocked and traumatised by what was a terrible end for her poor dog. She was trying to do such a kind thing after all the heartache and expense of the attack - please tell her i think that her dog was so lucky to have found such a beautiful kind carer, and to try and focus on the love and happy times they shared, rather than this sad ending.

No actions will bring her beloved friend back, but the grooming salon absolutely have to be made aware how serious their negligence is. I think a formal letter from the vet and perhaps yourself (as I am sure it would be distressing for your mum to have to relive this) would be at least a step to ensure this never happens to anyone else. In this age of internet reviews etc, it would be very easy to put any prospective clients off using their service, so they should be 100% willing to cover costs etc if they don't want negative feedback. Mistakes happen, but this has been enormously tragic and they must deal with it appropriately or face the consequences.

I just found out today that my Labrador has cancer and it is devastating to face losing him. Huge hugs to your mother, I feel and share her pain xxx

[onthefly]

How awful! I'm very sorry for your mum
I think obviously they need to look at the way they operate. I'd want to see their plans for altering their practices so this couldn't happen again. If they can't do that, then it would be time to talk to whoever regulates the industry.

[~Hestia~]

What an awful thing to have happened, I am so sorry for the loss of your mums dog

Not sure what I would do in this situation, I would be furious to say the least. This should never have happened.

[Sunny Love]

How distressing for all involved, but moreso your mum. She hasn't lost her dog, or pet, she's lost a true loving friend. A companion. A furry child-compensate. My heart aches for her loss.
I myself come from, and continue to live within a family that cherishes animals. They are one of us, and deserve the same rights and care. You don't just 'accidently strangle a human'. I know that is VERY OTT, but it was sadly avoidable. I'm not insinuating that there is any malicious intent, but more a lack of true animal professionalism and care.
If I was in this situation, I would seek all financial compensation possible (vet bills), report the actions of this business owner to the RSPCA and to the ombudsman (or whoever will make sure these people do the right thing in future or don't practise at all.)

Sincere and heartfelt condolences over this tragic loss.
xx

[Mel_B1981]

Oh how horrible! Big hugs to your mum, you and your family.
As a breeder (cat), I couldn't possibly imagine anything worse than putting one of my animals in someone's care and this sort of thing happening.

First point of call I would make is the RSPCA.
If they cannot help, they will definitely be able to point you in the right direction of where to go.

As Sunny09 said - the ombudsman would also be another point of call. There's a ombudsman for every industry out there, but not sure where you'd have to start looking to find what industry category a groomer would fall under.

[leesha]

How terrible and sad this story is my thoughts are with your mum xx
I don't understand why the groomer called and didn't explain the poor dog had passed. They already sound like they are covering themselves. That dog should never have been left alone chained up on the table.
Definately great advice above but I would also have some legal advice as well incase the grooming company plays hard ball. Sounds like a terrible accident but also it could of been prevented. At least speaking to someone in the legal field can tell you where you stand and what you are able to go ahead with.
Xx

[LuluHB]

Your poor mum and her poor poor dog. That's just awful.

I would be going straight to the RSPCA and would be asking the vet to make a complaint too. As for the money side of it, TBH that would be the last thing on my mind and I doubt I would pursue it - there is no way I could "ask nicely" for money off the person who had effectively tortured a beloved pet to death - but I guess your mum could write them a letter at this point saying she will be seeking reimbursement from them so that that option is open for her to pursue.

I'm so sorry for your poor mum. I've got my boy booked in for a clip next week and although he and my parents' dogs have been there many times, I'm feeling sick about it.

[AnyDream]

I'm so sorry to hear that this has happened. Awful, awful, awful .

Faced with this situation I would certainly want to report the negligence involved, but I also think that some form of compensation is warranted in this situation. What state is your mum in? Depending on where she is there may be some state-level regulations for pet grooming & animal welfare, and many councils have similar regulations. Finding the relevant local regulatory body will give you an idea of where to start your enquiries re complaints and/or compensation. A phone call to the local council might be a good place to start.

[*Efjay*]

WOW.. Ok im sorry if this come out blunt or not sensitive enough but I think you need to know this (maybe not your mum but someone who can bat for her)

The dog did not fall because he was old. He fell because he was left alone on a table. No Animal is likely to sit completely still once the person has left the room. Secondly, find out if the dog had passed away when presented to the vet OR later died while at the vet. I suspect the dog had already passed. Which to me indicated the dog was not simply left for a moment while they grabbed something. He was left & possibly for a period of time, a few minutes at least.
I am horrified that he was left on his own. Restrained with a check(choke) chain which was not long enough for the dog to reach the ground *if* they were to slip from the table.
I worked in vet surgeries for 15 years as a nurse & never ever ever would you leave an animal unattended & this should apply to a grooming place as well.

Im not one to jump on the "sue them" bandwagon but your mother should seek legal advise to cover the costs & the emotional distress/damages. Straight up negligence no mater which way you look at it!

So so sorry this has happened.

[Mum2twoBoys]

WOW.. Ok im sorry if this come out blunt or not sensitive enough but I think you need to know this (maybe not your mum but someone who can bat for her)

The dog did not fall because he was old. He fell because he was left alone on a table. No Animal is likely to sit completely still once the person has left the room. Secondly, find out if the dog had passed away when presented to the vet OR later died while at the vet. I suspect the dog had already passed. Which to me indicated the dog was not simply left for a moment while they grabbed something. He was left & possibly for a period of time, a few minutes at least.
I am horrified that he was left on his own. Restrained with a check(choke) chain which was not long enough for the dog to reach the ground *if* they were to slip from the table.
I worked in vet surgeries for 15 years as a nurse & never ever ever would you leave an animal unattended & this should apply to a grooming place as well.

Im not one to jump on the "sue them" bandwagon but your mother should seek legal advise to cover the costs & the emotional distress/damages. Straight up negligence no mater which way you look at it!

So so sorry this has happened.

I do agree with this, total negligence. This is why restraining ppl is frowned upon. If you are going to put an animal on a table with a leash, you definitely shouldn't be leaving it unsupervised.

I understand they are distraught about what happened too, but this in no way makes up for the fact that your mothers beloved dog is now gone.

Huge hugs for you and your mum preggoeggo.

[forshelby]

This brought tears to my eyes.

I'm so sorry. I wish I had advice.

[Jaycee]

Sadly this isn't the first time i have heard this happening to a poor pooch. I'm so sorry it happened to your mum, she must be devastated

[krysalyss]

I agree with Effjay. I too have worked in vet clinics. Animals should never ever be left alone on the table. Regardless of whether it was restrained or not, it should never have been left without someone next to it or holding it on the table. Someone has make a big mistake, and worse than that they are not even admitting their mistake but trying to make out that it is the animals fault. Big warning bells because they aren't even recognising their own contribution so what is to stop this happening again? I would be taking this further with either the vet association if they are associated with a vet clinic (many are) or RSPCA or ACC if they are a stand alone groomer as I don't think there is a registering body for groomers. Alternatively consult a solicitor.

[Peace]

Thanks guys. I was hoping to get some opinions of people working in the industry.
After speaking with mum this morning she is certain she wants to see a solicitor and has no interest in going in to see the groomers again. When she went in to retrieve his collar she could see a poodle on a table with a choker with noone around as if they had forgotten what had just happened?!
She is also contacting NSW animal welfare as they seem to regulate the legislation and code for animal groomers. And ofcorse the RSPCA and the local council.
Would the local paper perhaps be interested in this also? It's awful to think that people are taking their animals there with no idea of how dangerous they are.

[*Efjay*]

Yes, The local paper would have a field day with this BUT I would seek legal advise first.

I can't believe that they told your mum it was because he was old. That just puts them even further at fault because if they knew he was old, WHY did they leave him. Other then the fact the question is still there of WHY did they leave him but if they are saying its because he was old that he fell... Then they should have taken better precaution to prevent this happening.

I don't know how long it would take but the thing that disturbs me most is he would have been hanging a while. So how long was she gone, what had she left to do & why the hell do they think its ok to leave them on the table!

eta - google tells me between 3 to 6 minutes. (im sorry for adding details like this, but I think its important to gather as much supporting info as possible)