Two Dogs' Deaths Spark Investigation; Families Demand Justice

Heartbreaking Losses at RC Dog Care

Two pet owners are sharing their grief after their dogs passed away while staying at RC Dog Care in Bucks County. The incident has sparked concern and calls for accountability as the Bucks County SPCA investigates both cases.

In Warminster, Pennsylvania, Karen Anderson from Hatboro is still reeling from the loss of her 6-year-old dog, Phoebe. Phoebe was in good health when she was left at the kennel during the family’s vacation. However, within days, Phoebe became ill and ultimately died despite being taken to a veterinarian and hospital. Anderson expressed her deep sorrow, stating that it felt like "devastation, like for no reason she was perfectly healthy going in."

Similarly, Pauline Sazon from Huntington Valley lost her dog, Bunny, while on her honeymoon. Bunny stopped eating and collapsed, passing away before reaching the hospital. Sazon was informed too late to take any action. She shared her frustration, saying, “I could’ve contacted the vet, have family come get her to take her to the vet, but unfortunately, they told us when it was too late.”

Responses from RC Dog Care

RC Dog Care released a statement expressing their gratitude for the concerns raised by affected families. They acknowledged the seriousness of the incidents and emphasized their commitment to the safety and well-being of the dogs in their care. The statement read:

“We want to take a moment to express our deep appreciation to those who have reached out directly to discuss recent events and share their concerns. We are grateful for the opportunity to speak with you openly and honestly. At RC Dog Care, we understand the seriousness of the recent tragedies and the emotions they have understandably stirred. The loss of two dogs in our care has deeply affected our entire team, and we continue to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families involved. These incidents were devastating to us as caregivers, and we are committed to learning everything we can from what occurred. We have always prioritized the safety, well-being, and enrichment of the dogs entrusted to us. We take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness, and we understand the trust our clients place in us. We are fully cooperating with state authorities in their investigation and have formally requested permission to share the findings once the review is complete. We will be transparent in doing so, as it is our belief that open communication builds trust and accountability. We also want to address the wave of threatening phone calls, emails, and social media messages that have come in over the past several days. While we respect everyone’s right to voice their concerns, we ask that those conversations be conducted in a respectful and constructive manner. Harassment and threats—particularly toward our team members—do not support a productive dialogue and only deepen the hurt for all involved. In the meantime, we are conducting a thorough internal review of all procedures, training protocols, and communications. We are also consulting with outside experts to further enhance the safety and transparency of our operations moving forward. We remain committed to our mission: to provide a safe, loving, and enriching environment for every dog in our care. We appreciate the continued support and understanding from the community and will keep everyone informed as we work to move forward with honesty, responsibility, and care.”

RC Dog Care also posted on Facebook, expressing their condolences and announcing a comprehensive internal review of their procedures and protocols. They are working with external experts to improve safety and transparency.

Determined to Seek Justice

Both Anderson and Sazon are determined to seek justice for their pets and prevent similar tragedies from occurring. Anderson stated, “I’m so angry like I can’t get her back... I won’t let this happen to one more dog.” Their voices have become part of a growing movement for accountability in pet care facilities.

What Comes Next

The Bucks County SPCA is currently conducting an investigation into the incidents and plans to provide updates once their findings are complete. As the community awaits further information, the focus remains on ensuring that such losses do not happen again. The situation highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and the need for rigorous oversight in animal care facilities.