Trouble in paradise: Family unhappy after dog has bite marks, scratches from stay at Cary boarding service

After losing her husband Darin to ALS last year, Nikki Thompson decided to bring home a new puppy.

"I just thought you know, he’ll bring some joy to the house and to the kids," Thompson told 5 On Your Side.

So, they were heartbroken when 7-month-old Jasper returned home from a week-long stay at Pet Paradise in Cary with bite marks, scratches and hot spots on his head and neck.

"We were horrified at the extent of his injuries," Thompson said. "We just kind of immediately noticed his demeanor had changed and I personally felt really guilty."

5 On Your Side contacted Pet Paradise. A spokesperson said Jasper was rough housing with another dog and suffered a minor bite wound, but the official told us nothing that happened during that incident could account for all the injuries and hot spots Jasper had.

"I want to know what happened to my dog," Thompson told 5 On Your Side.

Thompson filed a complaint with North Carolina’s Animal Welfare Division.

Their investigation found that after Jasper was bitten, Pet Paradise used the wrong medication to treat a wound on top of his head and it does not appear that product was applied correctly.

That may have caused the more extensive skin irritation and lesions on Jasper’s head, face and neck.

Pet Paradise sent 5 On Your Side a statement from Jason Duffy, Vice President of Operations:

“As pet owners ourselves, we understand the frustration and concern that Ms. Thompson felt after Jasper’s visit with us. During his stay, Jasper was involved in a brief altercation with another pet guest which resulted in puncture wounds—he was later treated by our on-site veterinarian. Subsequently, an investigation of this incident was conducted by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture where it was determined that we did not properly document the treatment plan and were fined $200, which we will be paying promptly. We have reimbursed Ms. Thompson for Jasper’s boarding and veterinary expenses and are committed to covering any future medical costs related to this incident. Our number one priority is the safety and well-being of all our guests and to ensure that everyone is safe in our care. We have taken immediate steps to help prevent future incidents like this from happening and we are implementing new protocols and training to document any treatment plans as required. Our top concern remains with Ms. Thompson and Jasper as he makes a full recovery.”

Pet Paradise does have the option to appeal that civil fine.