Our beloved toy poodle, Sando, tragically lost his life due to gross negligence and deception by a pet sitter. Despite clear evidence of misconduct, conflicting statements, and lack of proof of cremation, authorities have failed to hold her accountable due to gaps in Ohio’s animal protection laws.

We are calling on Ohio lawmakers to pass “Sandi’s Law” to prevent negligent pet sitters from escaping justice and ensure pet owners have the right to transparency and accountability.

Why Sando’s Law is Needed

On February 18, 2025, we left Sando in the care of a Columbus-based pet sitter, Kaylynn Thacker, while we traveled for our wedding.

Days later, we were devastated to learn that:

The sitter lied about how and when he died (first claiming choking, then later retracting her statements).

• The veterinary hospital confirmed Sando had been dead for two days before she even informed us.
• She later claimed to have had him cremated but refused to provide proof.
• She blocked all communication and deleted her online business presence to avoid accountability.

Despite overwhelming evidence of deception and negligence, no charges were filed.

Ohio’s animal protection laws failed Sando, and they need to change.

What Sando’s Law Will Do

We demand Ohio legislators introduce and pass Sando’s Law to:

•  Regulate Pet Sitters & Boarding Services
•  Require pet sitters who board animals in their homes to be licensed and undergo background checks.
• Mandate Incident Reporting for Pet Deaths
• Require written notification of a pets death within 24 hours to the owner and a local oversight agency.
• Require official documentation from a veterinarian confirming the cause of death.

• Require Proof of Handling Pet Remains
• No pets body should go missing without documentation.
•  If a pet dies in someones care, owners must be given:
• A vets official report of the pets death.
•  A cremation certificate or burial record.
• The option to retrieve their pets remains before final arrangements are made.

•  Increase Penalties for Negligence & Fraud
• Strengthen Ohio’s animal cruelty laws (ORC § 959.131) to include criminal penalties for negligence that results in a pets wrongful death.
• Criminalize intentional misrepresentation of a pets death or unauthorized handling of remains.

Sign the Petition & Demand Justice for Sando!

Pets are family. No pet owner should experience the pain of deception and lack of accountability after trusting someone with their pets care.

By signing this petition, you are helping us:

•  Demand lawmakers introduce Sando’s Law.
•  Push for stronger protections against pet neglect and fraud.
•  Ensure pet owners rights are protected and respected.

Please sign and share this petition to prevent other families from experiencing the heartbreak we have endured. Together, we can make a difference.

 #JusticeForSando #PassSandosLaw