In a quiet suburb just outside Elmsworth, the Ellery family is mourning the loss of their beloved squirrel, Nutty, after what they allege was a fatal mistake made by staff at Maple Grove Animal Clinic.
Nutty, a rescued red squirrel known for his affectionate nature and playful quirks, had been with the Ellerys for nearly three years. “He was more than a pet,” said Mira Ellery, holding back tears. “He was family. He saved us during lockdown. He brought us joy every single day.”
Last Tuesday, the family noticed Nutty was unusually lethargic and seemed to be having difficulty breathing. They rushed him to Maple Grove, a local clinic they had visited once before.
According to the family, Dr. Lauren Finch, the attending veterinarian, recommended an anti-inflammatory injection to ease suspected respiratory inflammation. The procedure was routine—until it wasn’t.
The injection was administered by a vet technician, identified by the clinic as “Kara M.” Minutes later, Nutty began convulsing.
“He looked at us one last time and then just went still,” said Mira’s husband, Jonathan. “We knew something had gone terribly wrong.”
An internal review at the veterinary clinic reportedly uncovered a devastating error: Kara, a long-time staff member, had mistakenly administered the wrong substance to the Ellerys’ dog—a powerful euthanasia compound typically reserved for terminally ill animals. The clinic has since referred to the incident as a “tragic miscommunication” and issued a formal apology, emphasizing that steps are being taken to ensure such mistakes never happen again.
Despite these assurances, the Ellery family remains heartbroken and unconvinced. Their beloved pet, who was brought in for a routine procedure, had been healthy and full of life. Now, they’re demanding full transparency and accountability, saying that a simple error cost them a cherished member of their family.
What was supposed to be a standard visit turned into a nightmare, raising broader concerns about procedural oversight, staff training, and communication standards within the clinic.
“There was no apology. No urgency. Just paperwork and silence,” said Jonathan. “Our Nutty died because someone didn’t read a label. That’s not just a mistake. That’s negligence.”
Maple Grove Animal Clinic has declined to comment on the record, citing an ongoing internal investigation.
The Ellerys say they’re speaking out not for compensation, but to prevent this from happening to another family. “Vet clinics need to do better. Pets aren’t disposable. They’re lives,” said Mira.
As of this week, the family has launched an awareness campaign on X (@viralnutty) under the hashtag #JusticeForNutty, calling for stricter protocol enforcement in vet clinics and mandatory ID verification before injections are given.
Nutty’s ashes now rest in a small wooden box by the window where he used to nap in the sun.
“He was full of life,” Mira whispered. “And they took that from him.”