Nicola Peltz Beckham faced a heartbreaking ordeal after a routine grooming appointment for her chihuahua, Nala, took a tragic turn. Nala was picked up by HoundSpa, a mobile grooming service in Westchester County, NY, on June 15, 2024, but the day ended in sorrow for the actress and wife of Brooklyn Peltz Beckham.
Upon reuniting with her dog, Nicola discovered that Nala was “injured and in severe physical distress,” with symptoms including heavy breathing and wheezing, as detailed in court documents obtained by PEOPLE. Before the grooming, Nala was reportedly a “happy and healthy dog.”
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Brooklyn shared the devastating news of Nala’s passing on Instagram, expressing his heartbreak over the unexpected loss and hoping to prevent similar tragedies for other pet owners.
Deborah “Deb” Gittleman, the owner of HoundSpa, reportedly had prior complaints about groomer Jony Ceballos but continued to employ him. The lawsuit filed against Gittleman, Ceballos, and HoundSpa LLC alleges “reckless and malicious conduct,” citing that Nala exhibited alarming symptoms like a blue tongue and fluid in her lungs after the appointment.
After the incident, Nicola rushed Nala to a vet, where she required oxygen and intensive care. Tragically, it was not enough to save her, leaving Nicola to navigate the emotional distress that followed. The lawsuit aims to raise awareness about the protection of pets and hold those responsible for abuse accountable. As of now, HoundSpa and its staff have not publicly responded to the allegations.