CENTERBURG — To lose a pet can bring great sadness, and such was the case on April 29 for Kathy Smith when her dog, Jasmine, died of a heart attack. The 12-year-old brindle boxer was loved for her playful nature.

“There wasn’t anyone she didn’t like,” said Smith. “I understand that they’re not human beings, but they’re more human than many human beings out there.”

Deciding to have Jasmine cremated, Smith called Dr. Altizer’s veterinary clinic to make the arrangements.

Her daughter, Shannon Sigman, and ex-husband, Larry Smith, took Jasmine to the clinic and left her there Thursday afternoon.

“They were told to place Jazz in a provided yellow bag and place it near the garage door, and that a pickup would be here anytime that day to take her to Grove City to be cremated,” said Smith.

Driving by two days later, on Saturday, Smith saw the bag lying outside the clinic. They pulled into the parking lot to make sure it was the same bag.

Smith called the vet’s office several times to see what was going on. Later that night, she received a phone call informing her that the clinic’s freezers were broken, and her dog was not picked up as originally scheduled.