Ok, yesterday my mom took her two Yorkies to PetSmart to get them groomed, like she always does. She signed a waiver of some sort like she always does. I'm guessing it has something to do nicks and cuts. Injuries like that. Well, when my mom went to pick up her dogs, the groomer said that Maisy wasn't cooperating during her appointment and wouldn't stand up at all. My mom took her to the vet and the vet said that she had a spinal cord injury. The vet also said that there's a good chance that she could die

Tonight, my mom was able to bring her home, but Maisy needs to be kenneled for the next few weeks, to let her spine heal. She'll also be on meds.

But what we want to know, is if anyone knows what our rights are? My mom doesn't want to fight this. She's too upset over it all. My dad and I are going to fight this for her and for Maisy. All the evidence points to something happening at PetSmart. My dad won't be able to read the waiver until this weekend when he's home, and I don't even know what all it says.

Does anyone else know? Or have any tips for us?

Someone must have lost there temper with your dog, thus injuring it. When you sign that paper they really protect themselves, form law suits. Even that paper cannot protect them if you could prove willfull intend to do bodily harm, but that would be very difficult since you were not there and no eye witnesses in your behalf. My best advice, is to select a private groomer like I go to, (I have two dogs), this way you will know who groomes your dog, I insist on one person do my dogs froms start to finish, some groomers do not operate that way so I find one that does!! I also tell my groomer if they nick, cut the nails too short cause them to bleed, let me know, I will understand, but I do NOT like to find these things on my dogs after I get them home. Once you find the right groomer you will not have to worry how your best friend is treated in your absence, it may cost a little more but is worth it!!

Something needs to be done. If an individual has inflicted serious harm on your dog, chances are, they will do it again. What is wrong with people? How could anyone hurt a dog like that!

Have you talked to the store manager and their head office? The store needs to do an investigation. Also, call a lawyer and get as much legal advice as you can. Many lawyers will offer free consultations. You have every right to take this to court.

This may be tricky, but go back to the store and talk to the staff. Ask questions, you have a right to know what happened! Most people that work in a pet store, do so because they love animals. Anyone with half a conscience would know that what has happened is absolutely wrong. Someone may tell you some valuable information and may even be willing to help you.

Also consider writing a letter to your local newspaper, or even contact your newspaper. See if the newspaper will publish a letter to the editor. Let the public know that if anyone knows anything, they can contact you through the newspaper. That way an individual could possibly contact the newspaper and leave or receive a phone number.

Not sure if my advice will help you, but I figured I'd post it anyway. I am so sorry to hear about what has happened and I hope your dog is going to be ok. I get so upset when I hear stories like this. Dogs love people unconditionally and would do anything for us. How could someone hurt something so wonderful!

Sorry to hear about what has happened to your dog and I sincerely hope that your dog will heal and be ok.

I guess the next logical step is to get a consultation on this case with a lawyer since your mum has already signed the papers.

I do know that PetSmart has cameras around the shop. Maybe that can help???

[wishbone]

That was so sad, I'm so sorry. An investigation must be done to see what could possible happened since that is not minor case, it involved the life of you mom's pet. Please be manage to read the waiver, so sorry I'm helpless. Give us an update.