I am a professional handler and find it irresponsible and negligent to leave a dog unattended on a grooming table. I also find it irresponsible and negligent to leave a dog in a crate unattended at a show site after show hours.
It's about time this rule was implemented! But, it must also be REINFORCED, and that's up to all of us when we go to a show. NEVER turn the other way when you see a dog alone on a grooming table, but walk up and just stand there, minding the dog and when the groomer/handler returns, tell them why you were there (in a polite or not so polite way, as you see fit).
A dog should never be left on a grooming table unattended. This is not the first time this has happened.....and the handlers are still showing dogs. Just because a handler is a PHA, DHG, or AKC reg. does not mean that they are good with or to the dogs. There is good and bad in everything, Dog showing has become about the money and winning at any expense for some. Some handlers and owners do terrible things to the dogs just to win. Everyone really needs to step back and review this situation. Was this dog’s life worth the money or winning? Let’s all put the dogs FIRST!
My sympathy and heart go out to the owners of Jag. This can never be taken back or made right.
These handlers should be banned from ever participating in any and all dog related venues and events, especially AKC and the information should be made public.
I read the story about Jag and I was appalled. There is no reason whatsoever to leave a show dog unattended period!!! The culprits should be fined heavily, at the least, if not sent to prison for their neglect of a helpess animal. Shame on you....
My heart goes out to Jag and his family. This was horrible and what makes it worse they were not even honest enough to admit to their neglect and poor judgement. It is a crime and action must be taken!
What a horrible tragedy, that could have been so easily avoided by a little common sense. These handlers obviously had none, and should be barred forever from showing our kids...our family members...our showdogs. My deepest sympathies to Jag's family.
This is horrific! It should never have happened, but it did. There's nothing we can do to bring this dog back, but we have a duty to prevent it from happening again. We take in animals, which means we owe them protection.
I chose my handler because I know she puts the dogs in her care above all else,and she would treat my dog as she would her own.The money is at the bottom of her list.The truth is;we look for wins before we really look at the handler.I thank God I realized this long ago,and have not repeated my mistakes.We look for the best homes for our puppies.We should look at handlers the same,and ask;would I sell this person one of my pups?If not.Then you need to keep looking.I'm so saddened for the loss Jags owners must feel.Those handlers should be banned from AKC shows.
I lost what was, at the time, the nation's #1 Westie while "in the care" of his professional handler. Handlers have to know they put their livelihood on the line when they treat clients' dogs like commodities.
I've shown and handled dogs for 30 years - for other owners and for myself. My first priority has been the safety and care for my charges. To lie to the owners/media, and to let the hope and hunt plus the expense go on.... it's very unethical. I received two flyers about Jag in the mail. The whole experience must be torture for the owners. I am requesting that AKC take steps to ensure that handlers DO NOT leave dogs alone on tables. Someone should be the guardian.
This is one of the cruelest things I've heard about in awhile. These animals, who are so devoted to us, depend on us to protect them. This is very sad, and is something that should NEVER have happened. My heart goes out to the owners.
While competing in other AKC events there are rules about lose dogs etc. for safety purposes however something like this that is SO dangerous goes unnoticed, this has to change - for Jag and others.
This is so sad. My condolences to the owners. I cannot believe that a dog was left alone on a grooming table in the noose. Doesn't anyone use their heads anymore?
Other than theft I think this is a good pepition because I have seen (and in one instance saved) a dog left unattended with the noose jump to get off the table and choke.
One must be careful how this is regulated not to punish those who are careful, considerate handlers but at the same time prevent a similar tragedy. Perhaps the breakaway noose is a better requirement, since even if the handler is there an accident could happen and the dog be hurt.
The lack of common sense should tell you to not let these insensitive people anywhere near any show circuit , they had no regard for that poor dog and then they lied about it they should have been put in jail. Please, please do not let them keep this business.
"Jag" we'll always remember you and pray no other family will ever endure such a tragic ending to a loving pet, caused by a total lapse in someone's lack of common sense.
I realize I may have jumped to a conclusion here when I posted before. I guess I forgot something important - you are innocent till proven guility. As it seems the handlers lied which was wrong - but what are the circumstances to all this? WE won't know till it comes to trial. A
This is a horrid case of neglect and total irresponsibility on the part of this handler. He should be called to answer for it! My condolences to the family. Let this be a warning to all handlers and groomers that have charge of our animals. Not only are they show dogs, they are family members and should be cared for as such!
No dog should be left unattended on a grooming table. I hope Jag did not suffer too long, this was a forseen risk to the dog, and was caused by an irresponsible handler who did not care about the dogs welfare.
