Back in May, Allison Marks took her 2-year-old golden retriever Colby, to a PETCO in Midlothian to get groomed. When she went back to pick him up, he was dead.
Marks says she was told Colby had a heatstroke. She believes he was left in a drying cage. PETCO says no heat was used to dry Colby, but did accept responsibility.
For the first time, the two former PETCO employees charged in his death faced a judge and Colby’s owner on Wednesday, and had nothing to say as they left the courthouse.
“I’m speaking for my dog, my baby, he was part of my family,” Marks said outside of the Chesterfield courthouse Wednesday.
31-year-old Suzanne Jensen and 28-year-old Rebecca Witherspoon are charged with animal neglect. Marks says she’s never heard from Jensen or Witherspoon since Colby’s death, and described her feelings as she finally saw them face to face.
“It was hurtful to me because I don’t feel like they care,” Marks said.
Since news of Colby’s death spread, Marks says she’s seen a lot of support from pet owners, including some who say they also have had negative experiences at PETCO.
“Not as tragic as death as Colby’s, but some that were just traumatized and hurt,” Marks said.
In court on Wednesday, the trial of Jensen and Witherspoon was continued until November 17th at 10 a.m.
Marks says she’s disappointed, but hoping she will eventually see justice for Colby.
“When you care enough to take care of them and take them to get groomed and stuff, the groomers should take care of your dogs,” said Marks.
