Andrew Knowles, a Virginia resident, claims his dog, who he had left at PetSmart, died under suspicious circumstances, ABC 7 News reported Tuesday.

Knowles told the outlet that she dropped off her Aussiedoodle, Clark, at the store's “pet hotel” on Thursday and received a call from the vet on Saturday to say the dog had died. (Related article: Pit bull leads animal shelter worker to dog hanging spot)

“He said, 'Hey, are you Clark's dog owner?' I said, 'Yes, what can I do?'” Knowles told the outlet about the phone conversation. “He then went on to say that a PetSmart employee dropped my dog ​​off dead.”

Andrew Knowles of Alexandria is seeking an explanation for the death of Clark, a 3-year-old Aussie Doodle, who he dropped off at the PetSmart in Potomac Yard over the weekend. He said he got a call from the veterinarian on Saturday saying an employee had brought Clark in already dead. The Animal Welfare League is investigating. pic.twitter.com/pbL4OzpWc0

— Tom Roussey (@tomroussey7news) July 2, 2024

Knowles told ABC 7 News that the veterinarian claimed employees provided little information about the dog's cause of death. According to the outlet, Knowles said the veterinarian suspected Clark had a seizure. “He said a seizure could be brought on by dehydration, lack of food and overheating,” Knowles told the outlet.

According to ABC 7 News, Knowles argued that Clark had no medical history, was eating regularly before being dropped off and had only passed a medical exam a few weeks prior.

Tony Rankin, animal control chief for the city of Alexandria and chief operating officer for the Alexandria Animal Welfare League, said the matter is under investigation, adding that Aussie Doodle's body will be taken to the State Animal Laboratory for an autopsy to determine the cause of his sudden death, the report said.

Rankin told the outlet that the PetSmart store in question passed an inspection in January, but that the animal care area was not inspected. Rankin argued that facilities are only inspected after complaints and that it is highly unusual for animals to die at such a facility, according to the outlet.

Noles told ABC7 News she wasn't satisfied with the explanation she received from PetSmart and believes someone must be held accountable. According to the outlet, Noles said she got the dog to help with depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Clark was my friend, he was my child,” Noles told the outlet.