PetSmart, store #421, The Groomers at the store, the Manager and their head office/corporate in AZ. PetSmart killed our dog while we took him in for grooming just recently and NO one is talking as to what happened to our family pet of 11 years (Gizmo). We believe it was animal neglect. Bloomingdale, Illinois

I cried when I read this. The horror you endured that day is unbearable to comprehend.  I am a PetSmart Dog Bather and I would like to validate your concerns. My training consisted of a few hours of videos; 4 about pushing for "add-on sales" to generate higher profit, 1 on general bathing and nail trimming, 1 on groomer safety and how to handle dogs, and 1 on grooming(not applicable to my position). I do not consider this to be safety certified and we are certainly not CPR certified. There are no temperature gauges, the water is set by the bather with the basic hot and cold knobs comparable to your kitchen sink. Our high velocity hand dryers have no temperature gauges and get hot after a few moments of use; no one knows the exact amount of force or sound levels of them, but I fear it causes major damage to the dog's hearing as I go home after a 5 hour shift with a terrible ringing in my ears (they pop at work sometimes and I can't hear a thing). I was written up a month ago for refusing to bathe dogs in icy cold water when our water heater had failed over the weekend. Water is safe to bathe dogs in only if it is regulated to their body temperature, which I believe is around 80-90 degrees depending on breed and size; if not regulated properly, the dog can suffer from hypothermia. Store policy states you can use a muzzle only on specific breeds for up to ten minutes and you are to watch for signs of excessive stress(eyes rolling back, defecation). We have an area with a sign that reads Banfield Vet Service and I can assure you we have absolutely no vet or vet assistant staffed. I have deep concerns for the stressful environments and lack of safety and regulation within any pet salon. I am truly sorry they had the gumption and tactlessness to speak to you that way. I can guarantee the groomers are not talking in fear of losing the only thing they have: a high stress understaffed overbooked minimum wage job with little to no management supervision. I have been horrified since the first day and had the company I previously worked for not gone bankrupt, I'd have never sought out this job. The fear and guilt associated with having worked for such a heartless corporate freakshow can not be expressed. I hope you filed a lawsuit and that you get the answers you are looking for. I am so very sorry for your loss and I hope PETA conducts a campaign as I have recommended the dangers of these particular environments be investigated. I love animals and am deeply concerned for the neglect that is provoked through corporate policies and their need for extreme profits. The workers certainly are not reaping the benefits and neither are the pet parents. My heart goes out to you and I just want you to know in good conscience I am seeking new employment in a nonprofit setting. I hope you are successful in making an example out of their carelessness and contact the media immediately.