Pet Sitter’s Case Goes Before Grand Jury After Multiple Dogs Die or are Injured in Her Care
HOUSTON – An investigation involving multiple dogs who died or were injured in the care of a pet sitter is now going before a grand jury, according to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
The incident occurred in June at a pet sitter’s home in the Timbergrove neighborhood. The pet sitter is currently not facing charges.
A Tragic Loss
Jessica Hayward, whose dog Goose passed away in the pet sitter’s care, is seeking justice. "I feel like I need to talk about this," she said. Hayward announced on Instagram after learning a pet sitter had resurfaced online, using a Linktree to advertise her pet services on websites. This was months after investigators said three dogs died and four others were injured while in the pet sitter’s care in June.
Inadequate Care
Hayward was immediately sick to her stomach when she discovered the pet sitter’s online advertisements, which included information on how to handle animals in large groups or in hot conditions. "Some of [the advertisements] were hard to read and were about how to handle animals in large groups or in hot conditions—how to properly feed and manage them," she said.
Unacceptable Conditions
Hayward and her husband, Taylor Friesenhahn, previously used the pet sitter through the Rover app. In June, Goose and the other dogs were kept in the pet sitter’s shed that lost air conditioning. Little Goose could not survive the heat. Hayward said Necropsy also showed rodent poison in his system that exacerbated his death. "He had lacerations in his throat and all throughout his brain and his organs in his body. So, it was the most tragic way alongside the other dogs. And he had so many signs of suffering. With scratches all over him. He obviously tried to fight," Hayward said.
Justice Sought
The couple is now hoping for justice. "Honestly, I think we just kind of want to know what happened. I think that ultimately, we would have been satisfied with an ‘I’m sorry,’ or ‘We acknowledge your pain, and we made really bad decisions, and we’re sorry,’ but we’ve just never received it," Hayward said.
A Grand Jury Investigation
The district attorney’s office has confirmed that the case is going before a grand jury, but a date has not been officially set. KPRC 2 went by the home where the pet sitter lived, but there is now a for-sale sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the dogs in the pet sitter’s care?
A: Three dogs died, and four others were injured while in the pet sitter’s care in June.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The case is going before a grand jury, but a date has not been officially set.
Q: What is the pet sitter’s current status?
A: The pet sitter is currently not facing charges.
Q: What is the couple seeking?
A: The couple is seeking justice and an explanation for what happened to their dog, Goose.
Q: What is the current condition of the pet sitter’s home?
A: The home is now for sale.
