My dachshund, Taz, went to Pet Supplies Plus - Spring, TX, for a grooming appointment on December 2. When I picked him up 3.5 hours later, he was still strapped unattended on the grooming table. He had a sling around his belly and a noose around his neck. The groomer was 10' feet away from Taz, taking care of another animal. I could tell immediately that my dog was in distress. His body was limp and his tail was hanging straight down. The groomer complained about Taz being a problem and told me to come back in another hour. I demanded that my dog be given to me immediately. When Taz was handed to me, he collapsed in my arms. He usually climbs up my chest to give me kisses, with a wagging tail. This time, his breathing was labored, and he was taking short shallow breaths. He would barely move in my arms. I rushed him to the emergency clinic where he was diagnosed with an Acute Choking event. He was very sick and was given a 50-50 chance of survival. His lungs were full of fluid. He had been deprived of oxygen for so long that his lungs tore, trying so hard to get air. Through the miracle of excellent veterinary care, an oxygen enriched chamber and a will to live, my pup pulled through. I shared my story on social media, and have been appalled to learn that this store has a history of sending home pets from their salon with injuries. I understand that accidents that can happen -- but the pattern of pet injuries in this salon in more than accidental in my opinion. Since my pets' injury, I have learned that management and ownership have condoned the conduct of the abusive groomer and minimized the injuries when pet owners complained. The same groomer that almost killed my dog was caught on camera in April 2020 hurting a dog, the leaving him unattended for 3 minutes strapped to the table harnesses. The Owner and GM didn't think that his abuse justified a termination. The groomer was only reprimanded, and continued to work at that store for 20 more months. More animals went home with various injuries. I believe that this store prioritizes profit over animal safety. Please help me send them a message about this conduct. Shut that Salon and demand a real change in the store.
