A local couple is bringing attention to what they say is a negligent animal boarding center in Franklin County after one of their dogs died in the kennel’s care.
On Friday, Anne-Marie Green, the operator of Green Meadow Kennels, was arrested after Sheriff Kevin White said nearly two dozen dogs were rescued from the Youngsville facility.
Jessica Jones and Brandon Look are sharing a warning with other animal lovers after their rescued black Rottweiler, Goober, died in December during his stay at Green Meadow Kennels.
The family described Goober as a gentle giant who loved to cuddle.
“Immediately I would say all of us fell in love with him, and he was very special,” Jones said.
In the final weeks of 2023, the couple left for Costa Rica for a delayed honeymoon after getting married during the pandemic.
After researching various facilities, they chose Green Meadow Kennels to board their three dogs.
“We really tried to trust folks with our dogs … we did the right process and steps to actually trust them … and had interviews,” Look said.
The plan was to board Goober with Green Meadow Kennels Dec. 21 through Jan. 6.
Goober was dead by Dec. 25.
Jones said she was notified by an emergency contact on Christmas Day that something was wrong. She said she never heard from Green or the kennel.
“My fear is that he was neglected,” Jones said. “That there was something more going on than what was said. They claim they tried to reach us the day of on multiple occasions or made it seem like they had been trying to reach us.”
Jones said she was never contacted by the kennel directly. Hundreds of miles away, the family tried to get answers from Green.
“She said she was an EMT and if there was something that could be done, she would have done it,” Jones said.
Jones said Green asked them what they would like her to do with Goober’s body.
“I said, I want you to take him to the vet … why haven’t you brought him to the vet?,” Jones recalled.
The family arranged for their dog to be dropped off at a veterinary clinic.
“I [called] and said my dog is coming in because he died,” Jones said.
Their veterinarian said Goober was soaking wet when he arrived.
Following tests, the veterinarian had follow up questions for the kennel about Goober’s death, but Jones said Green ignored their questions, calls and texts even with their two other dogs in her care.
“I didn’t want people or animals to suffer, not knowing the truth,” Jones said.
Worried about their other two dogs, the family called Franklin County animal control to retrieve their pets.
The state Department of Agriculture was called to investigate the condition of the kennel days before White announced Green’s arrest.
Look said their horrific experience highlights the need for more policies in the state to regulate dog kennels. They believe sharing their story will save more lives.
“I think we need to do a better job of protecting our pets,” Look said. “I know they’re considered property, but they’re not property. They’re our family.”
The couple said, while it is unclear if the kennel is the reason Goober died, it’s clear neglect played a role.
White said the investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected to be filed.
Following Green’s arrest, White posted on Facebook, “The love and compassion I have for these animals is unmatched … If you harm a defenseless animal, I will come after you just as hard as any other criminal. If you or someone you know is aware of any kind of suspected animal cruelty, do not hesitate to call our hotline immediately. We must protect those who cannot protect themselves.”