ARGYLE, N.Y. (WTEN) – Families in Upstate New York are grieving this week after finding out their dogs died while in the care of a boarding facility in Argyle.
A total of 21 dogs died at Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding Facility this weekend, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. One surviving dog was taken to a local animal clinic for care.
“He was such a good boy, he was only eight months old,” Leah Brown told Nexstar’s WTEN of her dog Rex, fighting back tears. “We’re going through a tough time. It’s like losing a child.”
Leah and Robert Brown had brought their dog Rex to Anastasia’s Acres Dog Boarding Facility on Saturday morning, ahead of a weekend trip to New Hampshire. But they didn’t get to enjoy their vacation for very long.
The Browns said they received a call from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday informing them that Rex was among 21 dogs found dead within the boarding facility. The sheriff’s office has not publicly confirmed a cause of death, but the Browns said investigators told them the central air malfunctioned overnight, causing the dogs to suffocate due to lack of oxygen.
“My mother called me Sunday afternoon and she could barely talk,” the couple’s daughter, Melanie Scoville, said. Scoville was also the one who arranged for her parents’ weekend getaway in New Hampshire.
“My mom, she hasn’t gotten a dog in years because … she doesn’t like the heartbreak of losing a pet,” Scoville said. “So for this to happen to her is just heartbreaking.”
The Browns told WTEN they paid extra at the boarding facility so they would be sent photos of Rex on both days. Leah Brown said she received a photo on Saturday, but no photo on Sunday.
“I had a feeling something was wrong,” she said.
Additionally, Leah and Robert said the facility had good reviews, which is why they ultimately decided to leave Rex in its care. Now, Anastasia’s Acres announced on Facebook that they will be closed until further notice. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the owners are cooperating with an investigation.
“We really don’t know anything yet, we’re just waiting to hear what happened,” said Scoville. “I don’t want to put the blame on anyone right now; we just want to find out more information and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Leah and Robert Brown told WTEN that they’re making plans to cremate Rex. But they were sad about having to come back to their house, which is full of reminders of their beloved dog.
“The hardest part is going home and all his stuff his there. All his toys. Everything,” Leah Brown said.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 518-746-2522.