THE ADVENTURES OF DOMINO AT COMAL PET HOSPITAL & RESORT Spa
April 23, 2011 ** December 20, 2024 THE UNJUST END
Domino was doing great on the afternoon of December 20, 2024, and throughout his entire 4-day stay, I received daily report cards and pictures showing him happy and healthy. But when I arrived to pick him up, I was shocked. Domino had to be carried out by staff, and there was no explanation provided as to why he could not walk or stand. I was given no notification before his discharge at 6:30 PM that anything was wrong. Within a few hours after pick up, we were on the way to VCA Becker Veterinarian Clinic in San Antonio. At 9:30 PM, Domino was laid to rest. This heartbreaking incident raises many serious concerns regarding animal care. Why did the staff not seek emergency medical care for Domino when it was clear he needed it? Is this not required by your protocols? Their document noting will be posted shortly. Why was there no notification to me about Domino’s condition before he was discharged? Why did the staff fail to notify his vet, Dr. Peña, until after his discharge? (licensed in May 2024, employed at Comal Pet Hospital July 2024) Who contacted Dr. Peña, and what exactly was said during that conversation? Why did Dr. Peña not contact me after learning about Domino’s condition? Shouldn’t I have been informed? Why were none of the involved staff members or Dr. Peña present during any of the three meetings I had with the “Practice Manager,” Melanie Henry, and the “Medical Director,” Dr. Tara Barrera? Why has the video footage from the facility gone missing? There are dozens of closed-circuit cameras, and I requested the footage to be archived within 24 hours. Why has it not been preserved? Why have Domino’s daily report card details been blocked, despite multiple requests to restore access? Why have Domino’s boarding records gone missing? The lack of communication, transparency, and accountability around this situation is deeply troubling. I entrusted this facility with Domino’s care, and what happened to him is unacceptable. I deserve answers to these questions and the restoration of all relevant records and footage.
In Texas, under the Texas Penal Code 42.092, it's a crime to: "Fail unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care, or shelter for an animal in the person's custody."
This could be interpreted to include emergency medical care, especially if the animal is visibly suffering.
Domino's story is a reminder of the importance of responsible animal care and the need for humane treatment in facilities that serve our beloved pets.
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Where ever you decide to board your beloved pets, please check the facility out.
Does the facility meet the standards for operation in your area?
Do a tour of the entire operation.
Does the facility provide as noted in their advertised documentation?
Are the kennel and management staff properly trained?
Record your interactions with all the staff.
What is the turnover rate for employees?
Check records for any complaints.
Review their negative ON LINE REVIEWS on Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc.
Ask for a policies and procedure manual, including the emergency procedures.
Take note: this facility was "NOT LICENSED by the City of New Braunfles, TX" when Domino was there in November and December 2024. They received a license to operate a "Kennel and Grooming facility in March 2025, ONLY after an investigation and correction of issues discovered by the Cities Animal Control Division. (like rusted fence poles in the play area,)
The entire inspection report, with photo's, will be posted shortly.
It has taken several months to get "OPEN RECORDS" requests compiled. A few remain in the process. Appeals to the Texas Attorneys Generals Office ultimately ruled in Domino’s favor.
More on the results of the Police departments investigation coming soon.
*** Including recorded phone calls, and body cam video interactions with the staff. ***
Please check back.
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GoFundMe Coming Soon!
In honor of Domino's story and the love he brought to our family, all proceeds will go to the Humane Society of New Braunfels. This donation will support their ongoing efforts in animal care and protecting those in need.