Charley & Nellie’s Story
Both dogs vanished from a pet sitter’s home in Goodyear. Years of searches, news coverage, rewards, and investigation never produced a confirmed sighting. Their family continued asking for truth and accountability.
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Share Your Own Story.
Every family’s experience helped shine a light on the need for greater accountability and safer care for our animals.
Did You Know?
Together, we will create change.
Under Texas law, gaps in accountability can leave pet owners without meaningful recourse when an animal is harmed through negligence by a pet service business.
Adding “or with criminal negligence” to the existing animal cruelty statute would create a clearer path to accountability and encourage pet service businesses to operate with greater responsibility.
This was the intention behind House Bill 285, also known as “Pancho’s Law.” The experiences families shared helped demonstrate why change is necessary.
Although submissions have ended, we continue to honor every family that spoke up and every animal whose life mattered.
Submitted Stories
Their lives mattered, too.
The stories below can be hard to read. Some have a happy ending and others do not. Each one shines a bright light on the greater issue families hoped to solve.
This Doodle’s Story
A dog was attacked while staying with a sitter and did not receive immediate veterinary attention. He later died from sepsis—an outcome his family believes could have been prevented.
Koa’s Story
Three-month-old Koa was attacked by another dog after his family had specifically asked that he not be exposed to other animals. His injuries caused permanent vision loss and lifelong medical needs.
Argo’s Story
After updates and photographs stopped during a long stay, Argo’s family was told a window had broken and he was gone. Security footage never showed him leaving, and his family was left without an answer.
Brooklyn’s Story
While his family was on their honeymoon, Brooklyn died in a trainer’s care. Delayed disclosure and conflicting accounts prevented the family from obtaining the timely answers and examination they sought.
Kano’s Story
Kano recovered from abandonment and serious medical issues in a loving foster home. A later custody ruling treated him as property, leaving his welfare outside the court’s deciding factors.
Nutella Rose’s Story
Nutella died after being left unattended on a grooming table. Her family had recent records showing she was healthy and believes her loss was entirely preventable.
Lucy’s Story
Lucy drowned after a side door was left open near a newly installed pool while her sitter was away. Her family was devastated by both the loss and the absence of accountability afterward.
Blue’s Story
Blue died from extreme heat during a three-week board-and-train stay. His family later learned the facility was unlicensed and had been keeping him in conditions they would never have accepted.
Dakota’s Story
Dakota escaped a sitter’s yard while her family was away. Although many people searched, the timid four-year-old rescue was struck by a car and killed.
Teddy’s Story
Teddy went missing after a sitter lost hold of his leash on an unfamiliar trail miles from home. His family searched for days and continued fighting for answers.
Tuna’s Story
Tuna required carefully timed food, medication, and insulin. While boarded, insulin was administered without ensuring he had eaten, leading to seizures and his death.
Lexi’s Story
Lexi slipped through a hole in a sitter’s fence. Her family rushed home and found her within an hour, but were troubled that the sitter would not stay to help search.
April’s Story
Despite clear instructions to crate April before opening the front door, she escaped onto South Lamar. Six strangers helped corral her until her family could arrive safely.
Hollie’s Story
Hollie escaped through a sitter’s negligence and drowned. Her family received help with cremation expenses, but said the sitter never apologized or accepted responsibility.
Leia’s Legacy
Help create a safer world for our dogs.
Our eyes were opened on this journey. Dogs go missing or are injured far too often while in the care of pet service providers. Raising awareness of Leia’s story—and stories like hers—helps families understand the risks and demand better standards.
Please channel grief and anger into something positive: hold your pets close, share these stories with compassion, and support meaningful change.