Business & Tech

Sick Puppy Dies; Ex-Marine Vows Legal Action Against Store Owner

Josh McClintock, an Iraq War veteran, says case against former owner of Pet Works store where he bought his terrier now is stronger. "Moo-memorial" planned.

Minnie Moo, the Boston terrier bought by a former Marine as a companion dog from the now-closed Pet Works store, was euthanized Saturday by her veterinarian after being declared brain dead.

Owner Josh McClintock of El Cajon said his 7 1/2-month-old dog "passed peacefully" under the care of Dr. Jessica Tyler at the Animal Medical Center in El Cajon and has been sent away for a cremation.

McClintock, a disabled Iraq war veteran, said a "Moo-memorial" is being planned to "remember all the good times," including the moments she acted like a normal puppy and "being able to hold her, see her fall asleep in my arms."

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He said "there will be some kind of legal action" against Richard Fuller, the former owner of Pet Works—which closed in December after a 20-month series of weekly protests at the Grossmont Center store. 

He said the final episode of Minnie Moo's life would strengthen his case against Fuller, whom he accuses of failing to deliver on health guarantees and care.

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But Fuller, contacted at his San Diego home shortly after noon Sunday, said Minnie Moo was OK when she was sold in December.

"That puppy went out veterinarian-certified healthy," he said.

His corporation is being liquidated, however, "and has no funds," Fuller said. "What good would it do [McClintock]" to sue?

Fuller said his store manager, a woman he wouldn't name, has all the health certifications. He said he has nothing to do with Pet Works now and "it's a closed chapter."

He still blames Sydney Cicourel of the Companion Animal Protection Society who led the Saturday protests against Pet Works and "put 20 people [his store staff] on unemployment."

"You can't reason with unreasonable people," Fuller said before declining further comment.

McClintock said Fuller has plenty of money, owns a high-maintenance 1941 Cadillac and is a member of a Rolls-Royce club.

He said Fuller has made millions of dollars over the 15-year life of Pet Works and now just wants to "wash his hands of it."

McClintock and his wife, Erin, bought the Boston terrier in December after falling in love with the black-and-white puppy they would name Minnie Moo.

At a Jan. 27 news conference overlooking City Hall, Josh McClintock stood before TV news cameras and declared, "I want to show Mr. Fuller he's not high and mighty. ... You guaranteed something. ... Don't just run away. Man up."

At the time of death, Minnie Moo's treatments had cost about $3,000 in vet bills. But as a result of publicity, donations totaling $400 have come in from four or five people, McClintock said.

In mid-December, the La Mesa City Council heard presentations on a that would halt the retail sale of "puppy mill" dogs. McClintock was one of several Pet Works customers who told their stories. The council voted 5-0 to ask city staff to look into a law that would allow retail sale of only dogs from animal shelters or rescue operations.

On Saturday, Minnie Moo had just finished a nap, and McClintock went to get her lunch, he said, when he noticed she was stumbling.

"I went to pick her up," he said. "She wouldn't stand up on her own." So he rushed her to the nearby Animal Medical Center, where she was immediately put on medications and given a breathing tube. 

But Tyler found Minnie Moo was brain dead and advised "the best thing to do" was put the dog to sleep, he said.

Minnie Moo's remains are expected back at the pet hospital in two weeks, McClintock said, and then he'll "bring her home."


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