A Wheeling pet care business, Waggles Pet Resort, has temporarily halted its chauffeur service following the tragic death of a client’s dog, Miller, a 6-year-old black Labrador retriever. The dog passed away in a company van after being picked up at home on a day when outdoor temperatures reached the mid-90s.
Ross Neihaus, the owner of Waggles, faces a misdemeanor animal cruelty charge in connection with Miller’s death. The company aims to evaluate its practices to prevent such tragedies in the future, stating, “This should never have happened.”
Waggles, which offers various pet services and has been operational since 2020, has cared for thousands of dogs. In light of this incident, local officials are investigating whether there were any violations of building or business codes. Neihaus is scheduled for a court appearance on September 25, where he could face up to one year in jail and other penalties if convicted.
