Rowand applied to foster with Underdog Rescue of Arizona and was given two dogs from Pinal County
Animal Control by a volunteer. The complainant, the rescue in this case, says she emailed the
rescue stating that one of the dogs had been involved in a fight with another dog and asked for
instructions. The rescue responded that many dogs from shelters have some aggression and that
they only euthanize dogs deemed "Red Zone Aggressive" by their professional dog trainer.
They say they directed Rowand to keep the dog away from other dogs until they could place
the dog in a no-dog home. Rowand is said to have replied that she would do so but thought that
euthanizing the dog would be best because he's unpredictable. Apparently, the rescue replied again
stating that they would not euthanize the dog. A volunteer later learned that Rowand had gone
ahead and euthanized the dog.
Rowand's response states that she has not replied to the veterinary board because her business
has closed down and she is dealing with intense psychological trauma (her words) that led her to
take a break from veterinary work. She says that the complainant grossly misrepresented the situation
and that the dog had belonged to her for over a month. She also says that the dog nearly killed
her dog and then mauled her too. She says that she has permanent nerve and tendon damage, a
partially paralyzed hand, and that the damage is so great she can no longer work. She also notes
that she never asked the rescue to compensate her for the medical bills and that the rescue would
not accept the dog back when she asked. After no longer hearing from the rescue she says she
considered the dog hers and euthanized it. She says she was scared every day and terrified of going
outside because the dog was in her yard. She said it would be irresponsible to rehome it and that
she has very serious concerns about Underdog Rescue.
The Investigative Committee said that the situation was "unfortunate" but perfectly legal. Rowand's license to practice in Arizona was later revoked in association with case 18-84.
The primary source for the above summary was obtained as a public record from the Arizona State Veterinary Medical
Examining Board. You are welcome to review the original records and board meeting minutes by clicking the relevant
links. While we endeavor to provide an accurate summary of the complaint, response, investigative reports and board
actions, we encourage you to review the primary sources and come to your own conclusions. In some cases we have also
been able to reach out to individuals with knowledge of specific complaints, and where possible that information
will be included here.