A self-proclaimed "despicable individual" shut down his Chicago-based pet care business and was charged with animal cruelty after video was posted online of him stepping on and kicking a dog that was in his care.
"I am a despicable individual who did a horrible thing to a defenseless animal. I deserve all that I am now receiving," Jon Stenholt wrote in a Thursday email to his now former clients. "I am ashamed of my actions and how I could ever do such a thing. I know I have lost the trust of all you and I can't ask for you to give that back. Effective immediately, Alone At Home Pet Care is over."
The incident involving the beagle happened Tuesday inside an elevator in at the Catalyst Apartments in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. A spokesperson with the management company there said an alert security guard noticed the dog acting strangely. A video feed from the elevator revealed why.
"I'm am [sic] very sorry for my actions. I regret ever doing such a horrible thing. I wish everyone luck with their new pet care providers. I will miss this job and all the great pets and folks I met," Stenholt wrote.
But while "Alone at Home Pet Care" may be over, Stenholt's troubles likely aren't. The 39-year-old was arrested Thursday evening and charged with one count of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
Furthermore, a former client, Lori Orlinsky, said she's planning legal action against Stenholt and his now-shuttered company.
Orlinsky said Stenholt walked her beagle, Drake, for years, shortly after she rescued him. She said Drake was always timid, but she chalked it up to abuse prior to the adoption.
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Drake's demeanor changed when Stenholt stopped working with the animal in February, she said.
"He's a more social dog now. He's just more calm," said Orlinsky. "My worst fears are that for three years my poor dog, that I love, and that I rescued, was abused."
The Anti-Cruelty Society said the incident should give pet owners pause and make them seriously consider who is watching their animals.
"You have to have a business license with the city to operate a business but there are no special qualifications," said Dr. Robyn Barbiers, adding that owners should remain attentive to behavioral changes and always check references.
