It saddens me to be leaving this review, but it's important for others to know about the accident…read morethat occurred with our French Bulldog. Our frenchie, Spade, has been going to this groomer for a few years and our family (including Spade) loved it. We loved the environment and the owner who is amazing. The environment of this shop is unique and laid back. At any time, dogs are roaming around the business waiting to be serviced or picked up. Usually when picking up, we'd find Spade hanging with a staff member or roaming around with other dogs.
Unfortunately, during a visit in September, we had a very different experience. We dropped Spade off for a 9am appointment. At 12pm, we received a text that he was ready for pick up. I arrived at the shop at 12:30pm. I was told Spade was in the back and waited for him to be brought out. It took about 5 minutes for him to be brought to the front, which was very abnormal. Even more abnormal, the noise and panting Spade was experiencing. It was not an average pant, which is normal when he's playing or energized. It was the most awful noise that bordered a choking sound. I paid and was offered water for him that I declined. We drove off, but the noise persisted. I started to panic a bit and decided turn around for the water that was offered. I went back to the shop and asked for the water. At this point, Spade was deeply distressed. He was making that panting/choking noise, laying than standing, switching body positions. He wasn't drinking any water at first. An employee helped me hold his head and force him to drink. The employee also put water on his body. Another employee put lavender oil on his paws and claimed that help cool down. Spade and I stayed there for maybe 10 minutes hoping he'd calm a bit. Unfortunately, it did not help.
While there, the owner, Andrea let me know that Spade had been waiting in a kennel/crate. Anyone who works with French bulldogs knows how they can easily overheat, especially when in small spaces with no AC, and have difficulty breathing in general. She kept telling me that a newer employee (I assume she was new because I'd never seen her) put him there and she has been told not to do that. Unfortunately, it was a bit too late for that.
After learning this, I decided to take Spade to the emergency room. In the ER, He was immediately rushed back and given life saving care. He spent 4 hours in the emergency room and we were left with about a $2000 bill. Obviously we'd pay anything to get him care, but that is large amount of money for us. We were told that he was overheating. His constant breathing caused his throat to be inflamed, which makes breathing more difficult. If I waited any longer to go tot he ER, we may have had a much different ending.
This event traumatized not only our family, but our Spadey. His personality for a few days after was very sad and he chose to isolate for a bit. We've emailed the business to seek compensation for his emergency care. After no response, my husband stopped by to speak with the owner to seek compensation. At this time, we have not received a response.
We wish this business success, but do recommend they take better precautions and care of the animals: more organization, better training on specific breeds, providing better AC, bigger crates/cages if using them, quicker servicing and notification system for owner/parents, veterinary care on staff. For owners, we highly recommend staying near by while your dog is being serviced and picking them up right when they are done. We, however, would never trust our Spade going back.
