‘This dog is my everything’: Owner says dog was severely injured at Wellington boarding center

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated with additional information from BARC Boarding Center.

WELLINGTON, Utah (ABC4) — A Utah man left his pup at a Wellington boarding facility during a four-day work trip. When he picked the dog up, he said his pet was severely injured.

On Sunday, May 11, Jordan Masek dropped off his dog, Titus, at BARC Boarding and Rescue Center in Wellington. Five days later, Masek said Titus had severe injuries to his teeth, ears, and legs.

“On the 16th, seemingly out of nowhere, one of the boarding dogs targeted the other with no evident triggers or warning signs,” BARC’s owner and operator, Mckenzi Layton, said in a statement to ABC4.com. “I was supervising, and I was able to properly break up the fight and separate both dogs.”

In an interview with ABC4, Layton described the incident as “an act of idiopathic aggression.” She explained that idiopathic aggression is “rapid onset aggression with no apparent cause and no underlying obvious underlying conditions.”

On top of deep bites on all four legs, Masek said Titus’ canine tooth was completely removed. Now, Masek said Titus is forced to get around in a wagon while he recovers. BARC said Titus needed five stitches and antibiotics.

“I know for some people, dogs are just pets, but this dog is my everything,” Masek told ABC4.com.

“He’s been with me through hell and back, and I plan to do the same for him,” Masek said.

According to Masek, Titus had stayed at BARC multiple times in the past. Once before, Titus came back with minor scratches.

“There aren’t many options for dog sitters… I live in a pretty remote area in Utah,” he said.

Masek says the facility has agreed to pay for Titus’ veterinary bills.

BARC Boarding Center responds

BARC said this incident was the first of its kind at the facility, which opened its doors in 2023.

Layton said that, on the day of the incident, Titus was in a play group in a designated dog yard. She said the facility “always test[s] dogs with each other” to make sure there are no “concerning behaviors.”

Layton said BARC notified Masek and the owner of the other dog shortly after the incident. The facility said it paid Titus’ vet bills in full, and Layton said the facility is “deeply sorrowful for what happened.”

The facility said it is maintaining “full transparency” with the owners of both dogs. Layton said BARC will increase training for staff and review playgroup pairings, among other responses. Learn more about the situation and how BARC is moving forward from the facility’s website.

“There has never been an incident like this at our business,” Layton said. “While these are extremely rare in boarding, it does happen, and it has impacted BARC and our employees deeply.”

In an interview with ABC4.com, Layton expanded on the emotional impact this incident had on staff.

It’s been incredibly emotional for us too, but of course, not nearly as much as Titus’s owner. We recognize that, but don’t want to just brush it off our shoulders. They’re not just clients. These dogs are dogs that we know and love. Titus has been coming to see us for probably over a year now. His stays are usually like a month long, and we just love him like he’s our own. We just would not want this to happen to him or any of our other clients.” 
McKenzi Layton, Executive Director of BARC

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According to Layton, moving forward, BARC is increasing staff training in behavioral cues, body language, canine group dynamics, and fear-free handling techniques. They are also focusing on individualized care for each dog.

Even if it’s just a refresher, we’re putting emphasis on our ability to tailor each dog’s care. We want to highlight the fact that dog owners are well within their right to advocate for their dogs and communicate with us. If they have any special requests or unique needs or questions, concerns, or want a tour beforehand, we’re happy to offer any of that.”
McKenzi Layton, Executive Director of BARC

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BARC has a partner rescue, Castle Valley Animal Rescue, which is funded by the money brought in from boarding at BARC, Layton told ABC4.com in the interview. The mission of the rescue center and boarding facility is “rooted in compassion, care, and connection,” Layton said.

The full statement from BARC can be read below:

Abigail Jones contributed to the reporting of this story.