Last Updated on July 6, 2023 by Fumipets
Beloved French Bulldog Unexpectedly Cremated at Kennel During Family Vacation: A Shattering Revelation
A Heartbreaking Return: Family Discovers Pet Dog’s Untimely Death and Cremation
Spread the awareness and be vigilant about your pet’s care while you’re away!
Every pet owner’s worst nightmare came to life for the McLean family, when they returned from their vacation only to be informed that their beloved French Bulldog, Pablo, had passed away and was cremated without their consent. This shocking incident took place at the Scrub a Dug Dug kennel in Whitburn, West Lothian, leaving the family and the local community in utter disbelief.
An Unexpected End: Pablo’s Tragic Demise
The McLean family left their precious two-year-old French Bulldog, Pablo, under the care of the kennel, before heading off for their much-needed family holiday in Turkey on June 9. Eleven days into their trip, they received a devastating message from Joan Barr, the kennel owner, informing them about Pablo’s untimely demise.
The unexpected text from Ms. Barr read, “I am sorry but Pablo passed away this morning.” Adding to the shock was the revelation that the dog had been suffering from sporadic bouts of illness, yet no efforts had been made to get him medical assistance.
Lack of Communication: A Silent Tragedy
The McLeans were deeply distressed upon discovering that their pet had been suffering in silence. Barr confessed that Pablo had been sick “on and off,” but she had not deemed it necessary to notify the family or seek veterinary assistance. Moreover, she took it upon herself to have Pablo cremated at ICare Pet Crem, Whitburn, rationalizing that she didn’t want to “spoil” the family’s holiday.
In his conversation with the Daily Record, the family’s patriarch, Adam McLean, expressed his anguish and shock, “Gemma (his partner) burst out crying as soon as she saw the text message saying he was dead. Then we had to explain to our son what had happened. It was horrible.”
A Cloak of Doubt: The Disquieting Aftermath
The kennel’s decision to cremate Pablo has left the family grappling with unanswered questions, as they can’t arrange a post-mortem examination due to the hasty cremation. The McLeans are devastated by the loss of Pablo, their loving companion, and they are urging all dog owners to be fully aware of the care arrangements for their pets in their absence.
The Next Step: A Call for Action
Adam McLean has relentlessly sought answers from Joan Barr, yet she has allegedly ignored all his attempts to communicate. He said, “Maybe it was an accident, but something doesn’t seem right. I want to make sure other dog owners are aware of what happened to Pablo.”
The incident has attracted the attention of local authorities. A West Lothian Council spokesperson assured the Daily Record, “We have been made aware of an alleged incident regarding a dog which may have died whilst in the custody of an individual. We will be investigating the allegation.”
The Scottish SPCA also confirmed the receipt of a complaint regarding a dog’s death under the care of an unregistered boarder while his owners were on vacation.
Guard Your Pet’s Well-being: Be Informed, Be Proactive
In the wake of such a harrowing incident, it’s paramount for pet owners to ensure their pets are left in responsible and reliable hands when they are not around. Always inquire about the credentials of any pet care provider and be sure to communicate and confirm an action plan in case of any emergency. Your pet’s health and well-being should always be a priority, even when you’re away.
Where We Stand Now: Awaiting Answers
At the time of reporting, the MailOnline has reached out to Scrub a Dug Dug kennel for a comment on this distressing incident. The story continues to unfold as the McLeans wait for a definitive explanation, hoping that their tragic experience serves as a wake-up call for pet owners everywhere.
Let us remember to uphold the best interests of our pets, our loyal companions, who depend on us for their safety and well-being.
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