If this story is, in fact, correst then it is very very sad for Jag and his family. If this story is untrue or missing the correct facts, thaen this story is very, very sad for the whole world of dogs, handlers, and fanciers all over the world.
As one person has pointed out, we have heard only one side of the story and it may not be true.
However if it IS true, then leaving a dog hooked up on a grooming table is stupid and negligent, but lying about a dog's death and letting loving owners break their hearts searching for the dog is utterly heartless and unconcionable.
If the story is true, those responsible should be barred from AKC. Of course if in a court of law it is found that the story is true, AKC sanctions may be irrelevant because no one in their right mind will ever hire such a person again.
For the rest of us, of course it is a good lesson to use a break-a-way type of noose and never ever leave a dog on a table for even a few seconds. Use the break-a-way anyway , because maybe you will have a fainting spell or maybe two other dogs will start fighting or something unexpected could distract you. for grooming at home, I really don't see why a dog cannot be trained to stand there without any kind of noose.
I have chills from reading Jag's story! This was so preventable! Common sense should tell you never, EVER leave an animal alone on a grooming table!! I don't care what these peoples' history are in the handling/showing world, they should be FINISHED in my eyes!! Rest in peace Jag!! You will not be forgotten, and I hope with all my heart that your story will prevent another terrible tragedy like yours!!
I am of a firm belief that animals should never be left on grooming tables unattended without sizeable concequenses. Let "Jag Rule" become a law! I have a Golden Service Dog that I would be physically lost without - - he is my companion.
It's hard to believe people can be so thoughtless! My heart goes out to Jag and his owners. I only hope the "Jag Rule" find its way into law and this horrible tragedy opens the eyes of those who blunder along oblivious, thinking "Oh, that won't happen."
Regardless of what the outcome in court is, there is NEVER any excuse to leave a dog unattended on a grooming table. Anyone with so little common sense to leave a dog unattended has no business working with dogs. As a groomer the first things I teach anyone new is that they are to never under any circumstances leave any animal unattened on a grooming table!
If these allegations prove true it is a sad day for all concerned. But how many of the people who have commented on this petition actually know the Snyders? Or are you trying them on the internet. This is still the USA where a person is innocent until proven guilty. We have known Denny for 16 years and Audra prior to their marriage. They have handled several of our dogs and have always been honest with us. If they didn't feel a dog wold finish they said so and sent it home. Audra went out of her way to help our grandson when he was 10 to learn to groom and handle. Now at 18 he continues to show in breed altho he has aged out of Jr's and she continues to give him pointers. Both of them watch him handle, not only Goldens but GSD's. Watch them in the ring with the dogs they handle. The dogs never take their eyes of either of them. We have a 11 year old bitch who after nearly 8 years still jumps for joy when she sees
Audra. This is a person who abuses dogs? I don't think so.
Whatever happened to JAG is unfortuante. But lets wait for all the facts to come in before jumping to conclusions. Where were the witnesses during the show? Why didin't they report it to the show secretary and the AKC rep when it happened? There are too many unanswered questions to condem anyone at this stage.
Mandy Katam & Mary Lu Duffy have good thoughts. Everyone should read their comments.
I have always been amazed that handlers will leave a dog tied on a grooming table and leave the area. Shame on the Snyders, and may Jag be running happily now at the Rainbow Bridge.
The Snyders should have know better, they are not stupid. But what upsets me the most that they lied. What happened to Jag was not on purpose so why did they lie. Why let Janis fly out to Kansas hoping to find her baby, every dog bark she'd hear hoping it was Jag, While Denny and Audra knew she'd never find him, my heart breaks for Jag's family.
I'm a novice at dog showing but I never leave my dog on the table. This is the saddest thing I have ever seen. I trust that the AKC will make the changes to make sure all dogs are safe and Jag will not have died in vain.
I see so many dogs left unattended on a grooming table, it's unbelieveble. I only hope such a sad and horrible experience that should have never happened, leaves its mark in everybody's conscience so, it will never happen again.
It was sad enough they left poor Jag unattended and able to hang himself. But to lie about it to the owners? That is unforgiveable... Ban the handlers from ever showing again and change the rules AKC!
No amount of compensation will ever make up for the loss of Jag to his owners. Hopefully the AKC will not only ban the Handlers from future participating in any future AKC events, but pass a ruling that forbids leaving dogs unattended while on a grooming table, so this will never happen to another dog. Be at peace Jag.
This goes to show what the owners of these show dogs really are interested in -- MONEY! If they truly loved that dog, they would NEVER have left it's side!!!!
I have seen dogs at shows standing for hours on a table unattended...If the judges require their coats to be in just so shape, then don't show to those judges. Put the dog in his crate and let him relax before he goes in the ring. The fact this dog was in the motor home unattended on the table,makes it even worse.
