Help My Puppy Winnie Heal After a Devastating Grooming Injury

My name is Deema, and I am the mom of two Frenchies — Tyson (my rescue and rock) and Winnie, my sweet 8-month-old baby girl.

On October 1st, I dropped both dogs off at a groomer I’ve trusted and recommended for years. Both were in perfect health — fed, full of energy, playful, and ready for their spa day. Tyson came home happy as always. But when I picked Winnie up at 7:36 PM (after dropping her off at 12:36 PM), everything changed.

The Day Everything Changed

This groomer has always been flexible and walk-in based, and I have always been okay with the wait. For as long as I’ve been a client, I’ve spoken only highly of him, recommended him to others, and trusted him like family.

But that night, when he brought Winnie out, he carried her in his arms and set her down on the floor. To my shock, she could not stand. He immediately knelt down, pressing on her injured leg, and said she had been “crated.” Then he suggested maybe the “slippery floors” caused it.

I carried her outside onto the concrete to test her footing — and she completely lifted her back leg off the ground, unable to bear weight. He then came out with Tyson (healthy, bouncing, completely fine) and handed me a handful of medication, suggesting it could be swelling or an allergic reaction.

At 8:18 PM, I reached out again, asking directly what happened so I could pinpoint a cause. The story shifted again — this time he said she was with Tyson until he was bathed, which wasn’t until 6:00 PM.

My texts that night show my desperation:

• I told him I was watching her closely.

• He responded, “Okay. I feel so sad. I hope she’s okay. I’ll see if it’s just swelling and take her if I don’t see improvement.”

After that, silence.

A Sleepless Night of Worry

That night, while I had personal matters to handle, I chose to stay home with Winnie. Her health and safety came first.

I stayed up until 6:30 AM — watching her body language, her attempts to move, her behavior. She was lethargic, uninterested in food or toys, and even lay down while trying to eat — something she had never done before.

At 6:30 AM, I sent a long heartfelt message. I told him how much I appreciated everything he had done for Tyson and Winnie, how much I trusted him, and how much Tyson adored him. I explained Winnie’s sudden decline — that she was dragging her legs, unable to stand, limping heavily, and avoiding putting weight on her left side.

I told him accidents can happen, but I needed honesty. I even asked if he could review footage or check with staff.

At 6:40 AM, he replied:

“Honestly Winnie was with Tyson the whole time. She was bathed last and was with Tyson until she got bathed at the end. She doesn’t like the water and moves a lot when she is bathed. You can try it yourself. Nothing happened out of the ordinary.”

At 6:46 AM, I responded, thanking him and suggesting maybe she was just stressed. I explained that she’s usually calm with water (we go to the beach, I wash her with the hose, she’s fine). I told him I was monitoring her closely and asked for advice to keep her comfortable.

At 6:50 AM, he replied:

“No pain meds until you see a vet. And yes just like you, I also have financial burdens. I just know that I have to financially figure things out when an emergency occurs with my dogs or my daughter.”

At that point, I realized I had no more time for explanations.

By morning, I rushed Winnie to the vet. Neither I nor the vet could get him to answer the phone. No response. No transparency. No accountability.

Winnie’s Backstory ❤️‍

Winnie is not just any puppy. She’s a survivor.

She was confiscated due to neglect. Her previous owners were incarcerated at HSCO, and she came to me broken, in need of love and proper care. I promised her that her life from that moment on would be safe, gentle, healthy, and full of love.

Her very first grooming appointment under my care was on September 16th (she had just been spayed and was on strict recovery until September 14th). She had been there before and handled it well. This was not an emotional reaction. This was not “just stress.”

This was negligence — and it has left my baby nearly paralyzed.

She was 100% cared for, gently trained, properly vetted, and thriving in my home. To see her like this now — unable to walk, in pain, her spirit dimmed — has shattered my world.

Why I’m Asking for Help

Winnie is now facing:

• Emergency veterinary bills

• Medications and treatment

• Rehabilitation and recovery therapy

• Legal filing fees to hold those responsible accountable and protect other dogs

This was an unexpected and devastating expense. For my dogs, I would starve — but the costs are overwhelming.

Who Winnie Is to Us

Winnie is my sunshine, my emotional support, Tyson’s best friend, and my world. She is goofy, athletic, loving, and full of life. Dogs are not “just pets” — they are family, therapy, unconditional love, and often our only support system.

I believe in honesty, forgiveness, and grace. I believe accidents happen. But I also believe in accountability.

Dogs don’t lie. Their bodies tell the truth.

How You Can Help

1. Donate — every dollar goes to Winnie’s care, rehab, and legal protection.

2. Share her story — spread awareness so no other fur family goes through this heartbreak.

3. Pray and send love — your energy and support mean the world to us.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for loving Winnie and Tyson as much as I do.

#JusticeForWinnie

#FrenchieStrong

#AccountabilityMatters

For Zelle or any additional details- Message on IG @dedee.waleed