Wheeling, Illinois: A family in Illinois is mourning the loss of Miller, a beloved six-year-old black Labrador, after he was allegedly left inside a hot van for several hours while in the care of a pet daycare.
The 110-pound dog was picked up from the Serota family’s home in Deerfield at around 9 am. His family said they received a call shortly after 4 pm informing them that Miller had died. When his owner arrived at the facility, he said the dog was still inside a crate in the company van.
A much-loved family member was lost
Miller had reportedly attended Waggles Pet Resort in Wheeling several times a week for about five years. His family described him as friendly, gentle and loved by people and children.
Steve Serota said the family was devastated that a dog they had entrusted to the daycare had died after apparently being left in the vehicle during hot weather.
The daycare said it was devastated by the incident and expressed sympathy to the family, saying the welfare of dogs was deeply important to the business.
Daycare owner faces animal cruelty charge
The incident has also led to criminal proceedings. Wheeling police confirmed that Waggles owner Ross Niehaus was charged with misdemeanor cruel treatment of animals. He was released and is scheduled to appear in court on September 25. The charge remains an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Miller’s family has spoken publicly in the hope that his death will encourage greater accountability and prevent similar tragedies involving animals entrusted to professional care.
For the Serotas, the loss is not simply that of a pet, but of a cherished member of their family whose absence has left a painful void.