Scruffles the dog went for a grooming at the Flemington PetSmart on Dec. 29.

She never came home. The dog's owner, Lambertville resident Danielle DiNapoli, said she brought her healthy 8-year-old bulldog to the store that Friday at about 9:45 a.m.

She had been there before without incident. But this time, things would not end well. DiNapoli got a phone call at 10:35 a.m. informing her that Scruffles was at Flemington Veterinary Hospital. She raced there to find her dog dead. Scruffles, the veterinarian told DiNapoli, was dead upon arrival. They attempted CPR without success.

It is not known how long Scruffles had been deceased when she was left there. DiNapoli said no one from PetSmart was at the vet hospital when she arrived. When her husband called PetSmart, he was only told the matter is under investigation. The family has been unable to speak with the groomer about their dog's condition prior to her death, and they say they have received scant details from PetSmart corporate representatives, who they say refuse to provide a written report summarizing the investigation.

Erin Gray, PetSmart senior corporate communications manager, said upon the dog's death, PetSmart immediately conducted a comprehensive internal investigation, which found the associates involved followed "all policies and procedures."

Gray noted the necropsy report is outstanding at this time. "Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Scruffles' family, and we continue to be in contact with them during this difficult time," Gray said.

But DiNapoli said PetSmart has changed its story about the events that morning several times, and is not providing the family with the information it seeks. She does know the dog's condition worsened during the drying process, but that is about it. The NJSPCA is investigating the incident, which has prompted DiNapoli to launch the Justice For Scruffles Facebook page. On the page, pet owners with similar experiences at PetSmart are coming forward, including one family whose dog also died after a recent grooming at the same PetSmart.