A dog owner says she wants answers after she says her pet died after being cared for by a mobile groomer in Miami.
It’s been two weeks since Daniela Valencia lost her 7-year-old Shih Tzu named Mia.
On Sept. 25, Valencia took Mia to Pet Grooming Mobile of Miami, a grooming service that drives around Miami-Dade. However, 15 minutes after he dropped off his dog, Valencia received a call that his four-legged friend was not responding.
“What do you mean he’s not breathing? He is ok. The thing is the call was 15 minutes after he picked her up. What happened in 15 minutes?” Valencia said. “I tried to give her air, like mouth-to-mouth. She just died.”
According to medical records obtained by NBC6, Valencia and the groomer rushed to a nearby emergency clinic to try and save Mia’s life. Records show Mia arrived with no heartbeat and no pulse. Records also show the groomer told the doctor he put a leash around Mia’s neck and “left the dog on the grooming table unattended while he moved the van.”
After giving him a bath, the groomer said he left him unattended again, this time without a leash. When he returned, Mia was not breathing.
“He had marks on his neck. He had a hematoma in his eyes. They thought it was because of the pressure he was under,” said Valencia.
The emergency veterinary report did not give a cause of death but highlighted asphyxiation and strangulation.
NBC6 reached out to Pet Grooming Mobile of Miami. Attorney Adam M. Ludwin, representing the grooming service, said they were “upset and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. and Mrs. Valencia’s pet and family member, Mia. The incident involving Mia was a tragic accident that should never have happened.”
The lawyer also the repair service takes full responsibility and promises to investigate what happened to Mia to prevent future incidents.
NBC6 asked Miami-Dade County Animal Services about the company and they confirmed that the company, owned by Lester Sanchez, is properly licensed as a mobile grooming service in the county.
“Any consumer with an issue related to animal neglect or cruelty resulting in injury or death of a pet, should contact the police immediately and complete a police report,” said Flora Bea, a spokeswoman. for Miami-Dade Animal Services.
The county also advises people to file a complaint against a grooming company by calling 311 and turn the pet over to Animal Services for a proper forensic examination or necropsy to determine the cause of death.
