Owner feels left in the dark after dog dies at daycare

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — There are disturbing allegations surrounding a popular business catering to pets. The posts on social media have been circulating after Lindsey Walton posted that her dog died while at Puppy Paws Hotel & Spa last week.

Walton took her four dogs there to keep them out of the heat after they lost power from the storm.

A day later, she got a phone call she never expected.

"About 26 hours later is when they called and said he was found unresponsive in his room," said Lindsey Walton, who's dog died at Puppy Paws Hotel & Spa.

Walton said her dog, Sawyer, was six years old.

Now, she's been trying to get answers on what happened from Puppy Paws, but isn't getting anywhere.

"I've asked for that and camera footage, which they will not provide to me," said Walton.

So, she reached out online for help.

Her social media posts garnered hundreds of comments with some people replying they've also had issues with Puppy Paws in the past.

One previous customer told News 4 he almost left with the wrong dog.

"Obviously mistakes can happen...they did bring out a doodle, also a similar breed. But the doodle they brought was pure black. My dog is white, black and brown," said Chris Royce, who is no longer a customer at Puppy Paws Hotel & Spa.

Even past employees told News 4 they saw issues when they worked there.

"They really pride themselves in providing a luxury daycare experience. But it's really far from that. Overcapacity was an issue that I had brought up more than once," said Madison Mendoza, who no longer works at Puppy Paws Hotel & Spa.

"They would be standing outside all day and the heat and extreme cold," said Linda Crider, who also no longer works at Puppy Paws Hotel & Spa.

Puppy Paws Hotel & Spa sent News 4 the following statement.

Puppy Paws has been serving Edmond and Oklahoma City families for 18 years. We strive to maintain strong partnerships with local veterinarians and assistant vet technicians across the metroplex. When Sawyer's medical event occurred, a certified vet assistant was present and able to immediately respond, provide care, and transport Sawyer to a local veterinarian. We at Puppy Paws are grieving because of the event and are working in a concerted effort with medical professionals, our staff, and others to determine what could have happened. Our understanding is that further testing is being performed by the owners through Oklahoma State University to assist in discovering why Sawyer had this medical crisis. We hope the results allow everyone to reconcile and process the grief associated with Sawyer’s passing.

Chad and Stephanie Cramer, Puppy Paws owners

Lindsey still has questions, though.

"It was like traumatizing because I have no answer. I'm like, what do you mean? He's a perfectly healthy dog. There's no reason he should be unresponsive, like at all," said Walton.

Lindsey said she wants to warn others about her experience.

She's also now filed a police report with Oklahoma City Police.