Sherri Shelton, a grieving pet owner from Indiana, faced the heartbreaking decision to euthanize her beloved seven-year-old dog, Sheba, after the dog consumed Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips last month. Shelton, who later contacted Itchmo to share her story, believes these treats played a role in her dog’s tragic and sudden demise.
Sheba, a soft-coated wheaten terrier, began showing unusual symptoms after a routine veterinary visit in early July. Just days later, her condition rapidly worsened. Despite having normal blood work during her last check-up, Sheba’s health spiraled, and she became severely ill.
On July 24, Shelton rushed Sheba to an animal clinic, where veterinarians discovered kidney issues. Sheba was treated with antibiotics and placed on IV fluids, but her condition deteriorated. Within three days, Sheba suffered from toxic renal failure, leaving Shelton no choice but to euthanize her cherished companion.
In her quest for answers, Shelton turned her attention to the two bags of Bestro Chicken Jerky Strips she had purchased from Wal-Mart. She had been feeding the treats to both Sheba and her two-year-old puppy, Kali. A former health inspector, Shelton began investigating whether the treats could have caused Sheba’s illness.
She contacted Wal-Mart, spoke with a representative from Bestro’s parent company in China, and searched for additional information online. Suspecting the treats were unsafe, Shelton submitted a sample to the Office of Indiana State Chemist for testing.
Bob Geiger, a feed administrator with the state chemist’s office, confirmed that they are conducting thorough tests on both Shelton’s sample and the manufacturer’s product. The investigation is ongoing, with close collaboration between the state chemist’s office and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While there has been no formal recall of the product, Wal-Mart has taken proactive measures by removing the treats from its shelves and blocking them electronically at checkout to prevent sales.
Adding to the controversy, Shelton reported being contacted by a third party representing Bestro. The company allegedly offered her a settlement of $700, calculated based on Sheba’s life expectancy and associated medical expenses. This offer has since been adjusted to a potential reimbursement of up to $2,000 for medical costs.
As the investigation continues, Shelton’s experience highlights growing concerns about pet food safety. Dog owners are urged to remain vigilant, monitor their pets closely after consuming new treats, and report any unusual symptoms to their veterinarians and relevant authorities.