Llasa Apso Sadie went to the groomer for her monthly spa day. Instead of a happy clean little girl Sadie’s owners were called and told she got sick while in the drying kennel. When owners arrived and rushed Sadie to a vet it was too late to save her. “Sadie was suffering, she had internal bleeding, she was blind and she had been in extreme pain all day,” her owner says.
PETCO released the following statement in regards to Sadie’s death: “We’ve been aware of Sadie’s story since it happened three years ago. We can’t comment on the case, as it’s currently in litigation, but it was a tragic loss and we take all issues of pet safety very seriously. Over the last few years, we’ve made a number of improvements in the grooming equipment we use and we are always seeking to improve our existing safety practices. One of those improvements is that we no longer use heat of any kind in the drying process in our grooming salons.” They said after reviewing what happened during an internal investigation that they have made the decision to no longer use heat with any of their cage driers and have upgraded their equipment.
Still it is a harsh reminder for those who take their pets to be groomed or have a mobile groomer come to their home to know exactly what goes on when the doors are closed and you are not watching. What methods do the groomers use to keep your dog under control? Do they use hot air blowers or forced air? What does the groomer do when they find a knot in your dogs fur? Do they do anything to keep water out of their eyes and ears? Just because they are a professional groomer does not mean you shouldn’t ask questions. Would they allow you to watch them groom your dog or if it is a drop off situation a random dog through the window. If there is no window and they say you cannot watch it might be time to find another groomer or learn to do it yourself. Some stores even have a Do It Yourself area where you do the bathing shampooing and brushing and thye supply all the equipment.
This was not far from me. I am very sad for this poor woman. I would never take my pet to petco or petsmart for anything like grooming or any vet services… too many horror stories and I have a relationship with my vet my dogs are not just a number.