After Bubu’s Death, City Tightens Oversight of Irvine Kennel
Bubu was tragically killed at an Irvine kennel last year.
Photo credit Jeong Fong
When Jeong and Nathan Fong dropped off their 10-year-old Pomeranian, Bubu, at Paw Sweet Paw before a business trip to Hawaii, they never imagined the heartbreak that would follow. The next day, Bubu was attacked by another dog inside the Irvine boarding facility’s play area.
According to an Irvine Police Department Animal Services investigation, the small dog—who weighed just eight pounds—suffered catastrophic injuries when a 40-pound, one-year-old husky mix named Whiskey attacked her during group play. Bubu was rushed to an emergency animal hospital but died the following day from a fractured spine, multiple broken ribs, and a punctured lung.
Jeong Fong said Bubu held on until her owners arrived at 11:15 p.m. on October 10. Despite her critical condition, Bubu recognized her family’s presence and showed signs of comfort. She passed away the following evening at 6:45 p.m. on October 11.
The Irvine Police Department’s investigation determined that approximately 25 dogs were in the playroom at the time of the attack. Only one staff member was supervising, and although she intervened once the attack began, it was too late. The report noted that this was the second fatal incident involving a small dog at Paw Sweet Paw in two years.
Disputed Accounts
In statements to police investigators, Paw Sweet Paw’s then-owner Terry Gardner said the larger dog “thought Bubu was a toy.” He also stated that the Pomeranian’s health was “fragile due to Cushing’s disease.”
But Bubu’s longtime veterinarian, Dr. Joanne Hwang, disputed that characterization. She told police that Cushing’s disease does not cause brittle bones or physical fragility, and that Bubu was otherwise active and stable.
The medical report from Rise Pet Health Emergency Hospital in Laguna Hills documented extensive traumatic injuries consistent with a violent attack. Officers noted that the facility’s security footage, though reviewed, had no audio. Without audio, it is difficult to determine how quickly staff reacted once the incident began.
Officer Alena Cecchini, who led the investigation, cited Irvine’s Municipal Code 4-5-601, which outlines minimum care standards. This municipal code prohibits housing incompatible animals together. The report did not recommend criminal charges but referred the matter to the City Attorney’s Office for review. The recommendation was for the City Attorney and Irvine Animal Services to work closely with Paw Sweet Paw “to ensure the safety of animals at the boarding facility.”
Oversight for Kennels
Animal Services met with Paw Sweet Paw shortly after Bubu’s death to establish stronger safety rules, according to Officer Ziggy Azarcon, a Public Information Officer with the Irvine Police Department.
“Two officers met with Paw Sweet Paw’s owner to implement restrictions on the ratio of dogs to supervisors (people watching dogs in the play area), the mixing of large and small dogs, and the care of geriatric dogs,” said Azarcon.
Following the new safety plan, Animal Services began conducting random inspections at both of Paw Sweet Paw’s Irvine locations on Noyes Avenue and Research Drive.
“We conducted five random checks within the last year,” explained Azarcon. “Two were at the Research Drive location, which passed both times. Three were at the Noyes location, where the incident occurred. The first inspection passed, but the second, on April 7, failed due to too many dogs per supervisor.”
Officers returned the next day, April 8, and found the facility to be in compliance. Gardner received a formal warning for the violation. Under city regulations, the City Attorney has authority to suspend or revoke a kennel’s permit if repeated inspection failures occur.
The inspections are part of Irvine’s ongoing oversight program for licensed kennels. Random checks are unannounced and focus on animal safety per Irvine city rules and regulations under its municipal codes.
Since then, Paw Sweet Paw has had a change of ownership. The business was purchased in August 2025 by Best Friends Pet Care, a national pet care company that operates facilities across the country. As part of the transition, the new owner met with Irvine Animal Services as required for permit renewal and passed inspection at that time.
A Familiar Concern
Several dogs who were in the care of Happy K9 Academy in Irvine died of mysterious circumstances in June of 2025. The owner was arrested after allegedly trying to cremate the remains of the deceased dogs in his care.
Photo credit Tony Chun Sit
In the aftermath of BuBu’s passing, the Fongs have reached out to the city to ask for stricter rules for private kennels and dog-daycare centers. A system separating small and large dogs at all times could have saved BuBu’s life. Providing more transparency, such as posting inspection histories and incident reports online, could help alert pet owners to issues.
The Fongs told officers they were unaware of a prior fatality at the same facility, and want more accountability for pet owners who entrust their animals to boarding services. Although Irvine Mayor Larry Agran has met with the Fongs, no plan has been put in place to enforce stricter standards for animal safety in Irvine’s municipal codes.
The issue of kennel safety gained renewed attention in June 2025 after ten dogs died while in the care of Happy K9 Academy, an Irvine-based training and boarding business. The facility’s owner and his girlfriend were both arrested after allegedly attempting to cremate the animals’ remains, according to Irvine Police.
While dog-boarding fatalities remain rare, the incident sparked debate over kennel licensing and reporting standards. Under current Irvine municipal code, permitted facilities must meet basic welfare requirements, but many safety protocols are up to the kennel owner’s discretion. How dogs are grouped, staff-to-dog ratios, and emergency procedures can vary widely between kennels in Irvine.
Remembering Bubu
For the Fong family, the passage of time brings painful clarity but little comfort. “We trusted them to care for her,” Jeong Fong said in a brief phone interview. “She was gentle and small—she didn’t stand a chance.”
In a recent development, Best Friends Pet Care’s West Coast Manager reached out personally to Bubu’s owner, Jeong Fong, to express condolences and ask if the company could do anything to help her following her loss. Fong said she asked whether the company would consider changing the name of its two Irvine locations, and the company indicated that the request would be discussed internally.
In response to The Vine’s request for comment, Best Friends Pet Care shared the following statement via email:
We are aware of the tragic incident that occurred at Paw Sweet Paw in 2024, prior to our ownership. Our hearts go out to Bubu’s family. No one should experience the loss of a beloved pet in that way. Since acquiring the facility in August 2025, Best Friends Pet Care has implemented new safety protocols, expanded staff training, and strengthened operational oversight to ensure the highest standards of care.
While we were not involved in the operation at the time of the incident, we take seriously our role in rebuilding trust with the Irvine community and ensuring that every pet entrusted to us is treated with the utmost safety, compassion, and professionalism.
A spokesperson for Best Friends Pet Care also confirmed that the company’s West Coast manager recently reached out to Jeong Fong to express condolences and discuss her request for a name change.
“That name carries so much baggage now,” said Jeong Fong in a phone call after she spoke with the Best Friends Pet Care manager. “I don’t know why they’d want to use it.”
The Fongs hope sharing Bubu’s story will encourage the city to strengthen oversight. They want to help other pet owners make informed decisions when boarding their animals.
“We can’t bring her back,” Jeong Fong said, “but maybe we can prevent it from happening to someone else.”
Before You Board: 5 Questions to Ask Your Kennel
Leaving your dog at a boarding facility can be stressful for you and your pet. Before you drop off your furry friend, take a few minutes to ask these key questions. The answers can make all the difference in keeping your pet safe, comfortable, and cared for.
How are dogs grouped for playtime?
While Irvine’s municipal code doesn’t explicitly require kennels to separate dogs by size, responsible facilities will still group them by size, compatibility, temperament, and energy level. Smaller or senior dogs should never share a play yard with large, high-energy pups. A good kennel will evaluate each dog before playtime begins.
Is there staff supervision at all times?
Irvine requires that an animal receive attention every 18 hours. Facilities have the option to give animals more frequent attention. Find out what your kennel’s rules are.
Also, city permits limit how many animals can be cared for at once on a case by case basis. Ask about the rules are at your facility. Continuous monitoring is essential, and not just during business hours. Ask if trained staff are present whenever dogs interact and if someone checks on boarded pets overnight.
What’s the protocol if a dog gets injured or sick?
Accidents can happen. The kennel should have a written plan for emergencies, including which veterinarian they use and how quickly you’ll be notified.
How are staff trained to handle behavior or stress?
Look for certifications or experience in animal behavior. Staff should recognize early signs of anxiety or aggression, and know how to calmly de-escalate situations before they become dangerous.
Can I tour the facility?
A reputable kennel will welcome you to visit, see where your dog will stay, and meet the caregivers. Take note of cleanliness, ventilation, and how the animals seem to feel in the space.