A Missouri dog groomer threw a 3-year-old Maltese dog against a wall last Wednesday, causing fatal injures, according to the New York Daily News. The dog's owners, Barbara and Bill Calhoun, have been left emotionally devastated and furious following their pet's death.
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"She literally murdered our little baby," said Barbara Calhoun, 71. "I know that she's not a child, but to us she was a child. She didn't deserve anything like that."
The Calhouns brought their dog, Darby, to Spring Valley Veterinary Hospital on Wednesday morning for a grooming session with a groomer the dog had seen twice before. Barbara Calhoun said the vet called later that day and reported Darby had been severely injured, suffering bruises, pulmonary contusions and pulmonary bleeding.
The couple did not learn what caused Darby's injuries until they arrived at the hospital. "I said, 'What happened? What happened?' and the doctor said, 'Well, she was thrown against the wall,'" Barbara Calhoun told KSPR.
The groomer, Rebecca Barbara, claimed the 8-pound dog attacked and bit her, and that she thus feared for her life. "I don't know exactly what happened but she tossed the dog away, evidently with enough force to cause some pretty severe injuries," said Dr. Ted Betzen of Spring Valley Veterinary Hospital.
Barbara Calhoun said she saw no bite marks on the groomer, but hospital staff has said they were there.
Darby was still alive when the Calhouns arrived at the hospital. They petted and kissed their dog, who seemed to recognize them. Darby succumbed to her injuries shortly after that.
The Calhouns said they haven't been able to eat or sleep since Darby's death. "Our dog was the most precious thing to us," Barbara Calhoun said. "We have no children ... she was such a sweet baby that she never did anything wrong."
The Calhouns said they will pursue legal action against Spring Valley Veterinary Hospital.
xoxo
Lenetta
