2lb yorkie killed in the hands of petsmart.... - Page 10 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

MaxwellHouse · 03-02-2009, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I think I already posted in this thread earlier, but I just wanted to say again how very sorry I am - this was a tragedy. Thank you for sharing your story - I hope you can find some lawyers who will not let this go. Petsmart obviously has huge changes to make in terms of prevention.

Amen to that. I am so so sorry for your loss.

lkyorkies · 03-03-2009, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melissaloi

I'm so sorry I havent been back on the internet but I myself been ill but to prove that the story was real i was on cbs5 new PetSmart Blamed In Death Of San Francisco Dog - cbs5.com
I know theres alot of posting out there but Im not good at this I had some help to spread the word..

I am glad to see that you have returned.

I was very upset when I read your original post.

So upset that I copied & pasted it to every one I know. While I do not post as often as some do, I do read alot of the posts. This is one that I have went back and checked often to see if there were any updates. I never doubted that the story was real. But, I wondered why with all of the out pouring of sympathy why you would not keep the thread updated.

But, I do understand illness & family issues. Hopefully you will stay and see that there are alot of people are here because of our love of these little fur balls of joy.

melissaloi · 03-03-2009, 08:54 PM

The owner of a Yorkshire Terrier says his dog almost died after being groomed at PetSmart in Christiansburg. Jeff Dalton is suing the store.
http://www.wdbj7.com/global/story.asp?s=8824128

check it out and the baby was only 4 months old and it was also at Petsmart. I wonder if Jeff Dalton is on yorkie talk..
i wanna know whats up with you case..

michsmith1973 · 03-03-2009, 11:57 PM

Wow...I was reading this thread and I cannot believe the incomptent people they have working these grooming stations at PetsMart. my mom has a friend who lost her small dog about a year ago due to Petsmart's incompetence. She left her baby and was called hours later to be told that there ws an accident and her baby had died. They gave her no explination so she took matters in her own hands. She had an altopsy done and they came back with the ruling that they had left the furbaby in those standing dryers for too long and basically let him/her bake to death. The only thing Petsmart had to offer was a planter for her loss. I couldn't believe it when my mom told me about it....and I refuse to take any of my furbabies to their grooming salon because of that..and when I was looking for a groomer for my furbabies...I made sure that they do not use those type of dryers because they are dangerous and even the groomer I choose said you have to be very careful with those types of dryers because you can litterly bake a dog to death.

melissaloi · 03-04-2009, 06:54 AM

They use thoses? Isaw them use hair dryers

KSV · 03-04-2009, 07:07 AM

Omg! thank god i read this thread. I was going to take my Veer to petsmart groomers tomorrow. I went to Banfield once when I wanted to get microchip done. I didnt like the way the staff answered my questions and i walked out of there. I have learned to listen to the little voice in me.

lucky I found a vet, he is so good and he takes time with Veer and plays with him to calm him down, doesnt use any force. it felt like going to a pediatrician. I love it. the rates are awesome too.

As for grooming I will do it myself. who knows my baby better than me

dogbert · 03-04-2009, 07:15 AM

I do not trust chain store groomers, I always used a highly recommended groomer. The place was family owned and I took my dogs there for about 12 years. I take our Yorkie to woman who only does one dog at a time and allows me to stay. Normally she doesn't like owners to stay because the dogs want to go back to the owner instead of stand on the table and that is dangerous. But because our dog is a rescue with seperation anxiety issues she makes an exception so not to stress her out any worse. I must say she is getting better each time she goes.

veggienut · 03-04-2009, 07:56 AM

A I said in a previous post on this top, I am so very sorry to hear of the your loss. Reading all of this makes me think twice about taking my Yorkie (or any dog) to Petsmart. I had a cat before my Yorkie and did take him to Banfield but after a couple visits, I quit taking him there. I didn't like them and their ways~! Now I am considering to find another groomer. I only went to Petsmart since they had a dremel to smooth his nails nail, and the other groomer I went to next to the Vet didn't have that. Also, when I pick Maxwell up from the groomers, he clings to me like "velcro" and really does that to me when I bring him there as well as drop him off.

WalnutHill · 03-04-2009, 08:20 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the heartache!

I tell all of our new owners to really check out any groomer before using them. They can use force and permanently damage a puppy's personality and make them afraid of strangers for life. They can hurt them, kill them, or totally botch the job and make them look horrible.

Personally, if they won't let you watch them work, then don't let them work on your dog.

Anybody can get a job at a chain store. My brother's wife's sister works at a local chain store as a groomer, and I wouldn't let her sweep the floor at my groomer's place! She has no clue what she's doing, always cuts the nails too short, forcefully holds dogs down, and does and awful cutting job anyway!

Why in the world were dogs who don't know each other, with such massive differences in size, allowed to be together in a way that one could even potentially bite the other? OUTRAGEOUS!

You need to sue! It won't bring your baby back, but it's the only way to get a greedy chain like PetsMart to do anything differently to prevent this from happening again! Hit them where it hurts, in the pocket book, and they will make sure they don't get sued again!

Nancy1999 · 03-04-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalnutHill

I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the heartache!

I tell all of our new owners to really check out any groomer before using them. They can use force and permanently damage a puppy's personality and make them afraid of strangers for life. They can hurt them, kill them, or totally botch the job and make them look horrible.

Personally, if they won't let you watch them work, then don't let them work on your dog.

Anybody can get a job at a chain store. My brother's wife's sister works at a local chain store as a groomer, and I wouldn't let her sweep the floor at my groomer's place! She has no clue what she's doing, always cuts the nails too short, forcefully holds dogs down, and does and awful cutting job anyway!

Why in the world were dogs who don't know each other, with such massive differences in size, allowed to be together in a way that one could even potentially bite the other? OUTRAGEOUS!

You need to sue! It won't bring your baby back, but it's the only way to get a greedy chain like PetsMart to do anything differently to prevent this from happening again! Hit them where it hurts, in the pocket book, and they will make sure they don't get sued again!

Unfortunately, most state laws only allow you to get the purchase price of the puppy back. They don't do punitive damages because dogs are thought to be possessions. Punitive damages are usually what it takes for a company to be encouraged to do a policy change, but since melissaloi has made her story so known, I'm sure Pet Smart and other grooming shops will be encouraged to do some policy changes. Thank you melissaloi.

WoodyMorgan · 03-04-2009, 09:47 AM

I'm so sorry to hear about Bella, how devestating!

I have heard of other "accidents" through the hands of the "corporate" grooming facilities, ie. toy breeds not being watched and jumping off the grooming table and hanging themselves. I would certainly push the issue with PetSmart, go to corporate if you have to. There is absolutely NO reason ANY animal should be in danger while being groomed by a 'professional'. I'm not saying to go after the husky's owner, but if you have her information, you both may want to gang up on the store. They should have responsibility for all animals in their care, taking consideration with special instructions, etc. Unfortunately, the husky owner should be worried . . . the dog did fatally injur your baby.

WalnutHill · 03-04-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

Unfortunately, most state laws only allow you to get the purchase price of the puppy back. They don't do punitive damages because dogs are thought to be possessions. Punitive damages are usually what it takes for a company to be encouraged to do a policy change, but since melissaloi has made her story so known, I'm sure Pet Smart and other grooming shops will be encouraged to do some policy changes. Thank you melissaloi.

True, but the judgment isn't the only thing that gets them where it hurts - lawyers fees, years in court, the cost of all of that, plus the bad publicity is enough to effect some change.

bcrass2 · 03-04-2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

I am SO SORRY. I barely have words for it.

I'm sorry to bring this up right now, but if it were me - I would get a lawyer and sue them. This doesn't have to be about money - but I would so for as much money you can, enough so that it gets Petsmart's attention so that this NEVER happens again - so that the proper measures are put in place so this can never happen again. I'm sure there are others to whom this has happened - and you may even be able to file a class action suit.

My heart just breaks for you.

I agree!!!! It's the principle. Someone needs to be the voice of your baby!!! God bless you!!! I am so sorry for your loss.

Nancy1999 · 03-04-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WalnutHill

True, but the judgment isn't the only thing that gets them where it hurts - lawyers fees, years in court, the cost of all of that, plus the bad publicity is enough to effect some change.

Actually, big corporation have in house lawyers, so they are paying lawyers fees anyway. The court would find fault with them and make them pay for a replacement dog. They have already agreed to do this. On the other hand, melissaloi, would have to come up with money to hire a lawyer, most won't take this type of case without money up front, and most won't take it all because there can be no punitive damages. People always say sue, but it's really not always possible. Of course, if the company refused to replace her pet, that would be her only option.

michsmith1973 · 03-04-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melissaloi

They use thoses? Isaw them use hair dryers

Ours did.....now if they still do after my mom's friends incident which I said was about a year ago or so....I dont know. I think I would definately stay away from chain store groomers though....seems like they will hire anybody from some of the way these posts have read. unbelievable!!!

03-03-2009, 08:54 PM	#138
melissaloi YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: san francisco ca Posts: 7	wondering if you heard about Chester that almost died? The owner of a Yorkshire Terrier says his dog almost died after being groomed at PetSmart in Christiansburg. Jeff Dalton is suing the store. http://www.wdbj7.com/global/story.asp?s=8824128 check it out and the baby was only 4 months old and it was also at Petsmart. I wonder if Jeff Dalton is on yorkie talk.. i wanna know whats up with you case..

03-03-2009, 11:57 PM	#139
michsmith1973 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 464	Wow...I was reading this thread and I cannot believe the incomptent people they have working these grooming stations at PetsMart. my mom has a friend who lost her small dog about a year ago due to Petsmart's incompetence. She left her baby and was called hours later to be told that there ws an accident and her baby had died. They gave her no explination so she took matters in her own hands. She had an altopsy done and they came back with the ruling that they had left the furbaby in those standing dryers for too long and basically let him/her bake to death. The only thing Petsmart had to offer was a planter for her loss. I couldn't believe it when my mom told me about it....and I refuse to take any of my furbabies to their grooming salon because of that..and when I was looking for a groomer for my furbabies...I made sure that they do not use those type of dryers because they are dangerous and even the groomer I choose said you have to be very careful with those types of dryers because you can litterly bake a dog to death. __________________ Michelle proud furbaby momma to my yorkies Jackson and Shelby and cuddly kitty Sammy

03-04-2009, 07:15 AM	#142
dogbert Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Southern, MN,USA Posts: 3,271 Blog Entries: 1	I do not trust chain store groomers, I always used a highly recommended groomer. The place was family owned and I took my dogs there for about 12 years. I take our Yorkie to woman who only does one dog at a time and allows me to stay. Normally she doesn't like owners to stay because the dogs want to go back to the owner instead of stand on the table and that is dangerous. But because our dog is a rescue with seperation anxiety issues she makes an exception so not to stress her out any worse. I must say she is getting better each time she goes. __________________ Mammadoodle to my Yorkiedoodle Barney and our crazy cat Ms. Sassy Pants. RIP Audrey-Belle Within the heart of every stray lies the singular desire to be loved

03-04-2009, 08:20 AM	#144
WalnutHill ♥ Catherine My Love ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,354 Blog Entries: 15	Terrible I am so sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the heartache! I tell all of our new owners to really check out any groomer before using them. They can use force and permanently damage a puppy's personality and make them afraid of strangers for life. They can hurt them, kill them, or totally botch the job and make them look horrible. Personally, if they won't let you watch them work, then don't let them work on your dog. Anybody can get a job at a chain store. My brother's wife's sister works at a local chain store as a groomer, and I wouldn't let her sweep the floor at my groomer's place! She has no clue what she's doing, always cuts the nails too short, forcefully holds dogs down, and does and awful cutting job anyway! Why in the world were dogs who don't know each other, with such massive differences in size, allowed to be together in a way that one could even potentially bite the other? OUTRAGEOUS! You need to sue! It won't bring your baby back, but it's the only way to get a greedy chain like PetsMart to do anything differently to prevent this from happening again! Hit them where it hurts, in the pocket book, and they will make sure they don't get sued again! __________________ Yorkie Splash ~ Yorkie shampoo Use the code ytdiscount at checkout for 10% off your purchase

03-04-2009, 06:54 AM	#140
melissaloi YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: san francisco ca Posts: 7	They use thoses? Isaw them use hair dryers

03-04-2009, 07:07 AM	#141
KSV Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: miami,Florida Posts: 233	Omg! thank god i read this thread. I was going to take my Veer to petsmart groomers tomorrow. I went to Banfield once when I wanted to get microchip done. I didnt like the way the staff answered my questions and i walked out of there. I have learned to listen to the little voice in me. lucky I found a vet, he is so good and he takes time with Veer and plays with him to calm him down, doesnt use any force. it felt like going to a pediatrician. I love it. the rates are awesome too. As for grooming I will do it myself. who knows my baby better than me

03-04-2009, 07:56 AM	#143
veggienut YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 805	A I said in a previous post on this top, I am so very sorry to hear of the your loss. Reading all of this makes me think twice about taking my Yorkie (or any dog) to Petsmart. I had a cat before my Yorkie and did take him to Banfield but after a couple visits, I quit taking him there. I didn't like them and their ways~! Now I am considering to find another groomer. I only went to Petsmart since they had a dremel to smooth his nails nail, and the other groomer I went to next to the Vet didn't have that. Also, when I pick Maxwell up from the groomers, he clings to me like "velcro" and really does that to me when I bring him there as well as drop him off.

03-04-2009, 09:47 AM	#146
WoodyMorgan Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St Francis, MN Posts: 66	I'm so sorry to hear about Bella, how devestating! I have heard of other "accidents" through the hands of the "corporate" grooming facilities, ie. toy breeds not being watched and jumping off the grooming table and hanging themselves. I would certainly push the issue with PetSmart, go to corporate if you have to. There is absolutely NO reason ANY animal should be in danger while being groomed by a 'professional'. I'm not saying to go after the husky's owner, but if you have her information, you both may want to gang up on the store. They should have responsibility for all animals in their care, taking consideration with special instructions, etc. Unfortunately, the husky owner should be worried . . . the dog did fatally injur your baby.