Bruce GoFundMe: California couple demands accountability after beloved English bulldog drowns at doggy day care
GoFundMe launched california A couple lost their beloved English bulldog Bruce, who died while in the care of a doggie daycare center. Chris and Ashley Merz of Ventura are demanding accountability after Bruce allegedly drowned at a dog camp over the weekend.

The couple said they would take part in a “peaceful protest” outside the doggy daycare center on Wednesday, July 22. The gathering was held in memory of Bruce.
“We will come together to remember Bruce and support his family as they pursue accountability following his tragic death while in the care of the dog camp,” a post on Facebook said.
The post told attendees not to bring their dog Due to the expected high temperatures and large crowds. It also urges community members to work together to advocate for “transparency, accountability and the safety of all dogs.”
Bruce GoFundMe
“A normal day at the dog camp turned into tragedy Their dog drowned while in the facility’s care. They were made even more distressed by the way things were handled – they were not contacted when the incident occurred and didn’t learn their dog had passed away until later that day when they arrived to pick it up. ” to fund me explain.
“To make matters even more difficult, they placed the dog’s body in a storage compartment in the trunk of the car and discovered he had not been taken to an emergency veterinary hospital before being notified. My sister and brother-in-law are now grieving the loss of a beloved family member while trying to understand what exactly happened that day,” it added.
Funds raised will “go towards the unexpected costs of cremation and memorial services” and will also help provide “legal advice”.
Bruce’s death sparked outrage on social media, particularly as the family claimed they were never notified their puppy had drowned before they arrived. When they arrived, they saw Bruce’s body lying in a plastic bucket. They were later told that Bruce somehow ended up at the large dog compound, which has two unfenced swimming pools, although employees reportedly admitted he shouldn’t be there, the New York Post reported.
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Heartbreaking moment when Chris learns of Bruce’s death caught on video Started by someone who appears to be another dog camp patron.
The Santa Barbara Police Department responded to the agency after receiving a report of a drowning. The department’s Criminal Investigations Unit and Animal Control Team are currently investigating the circumstances of Bruce’s death.
Dog Camp Response
Following the incident, Camp Canine temporarily suspended day care operations while it reviews its facilities, safety procedures and emergency response protocols. The company apologized to the family in an Instagram post, saying they “failed in their responsibility to keep the dog safe.”
“We are deeply sorry,” the post read.
The post called the tragedy “heartbreaking,” adding, “We failed in our responsibility, which has always been at the core of the reason the canine camp exists.”
“Nothing can undo this heartbreaking loss, and no words can ease the pain it has caused,” the page said, promising it would lead to “meaningful and lasting change.”