| Complaint: | Complaint 21-43 |
|---|---|
| Respondent: | Christina Nutter Guttuso |
| Premises: | Gentle Journey |
| Related: | 21-42 |
(This complaint is related to 21-42 in that the veterinarian there, Bilsland, was called by Nutter after the events described by the complainant. It's worth reading that one to learn the history of the cat prior to the euthanasia.)
The complainant tells us that Nutter "performed a euthanasia procedure while mentally unstable" and acted aggressively toward not just the humans present but also the cat. We're told the cat was 17 years old and had been rescued from the junkyard next door to the warehouse and was well-cared for. The cat had been declining for some time as a result of squamous cell carcinoma but managed on pain medication; euthanasia had been scheduled for when the complainant would be available, but the cat took a turn for the worse and the date was bumped up. Nutter showed up and allegedly began claiming the cat had been neglected. The complainant's secretary, who was present, allegedly tried to explain the cat had suddenly deteriorated and tried to explain the cat's history; Nutter is said to have become even more upset and angry, screaming at both the secretary and the cat. The complainant relates she was able to hear the conversation as the secretary had called her on speakerphone to listen in. The euthanasia proceeded and we're told that Nutter's diatribe continued on regarding how horrible the complainant and her staff was; the secretary and another staff member are said to have stood there watching in horror while Nutter shakily plunged needles into the cat while screaming and yelling. When the cat was dead Nutter said she needed to take the corpse to the police for an investigation or call the police and that she needed to file an animal abuse report. The complainant agreed that it would be good to call the police and also notified her husband and her lawyer. Nutter did not calm down and was asked to leave the premises until the police arrived as there were concerns she could pose a threat to the staff. She attempted to email Nutter five times after the event but never received a response.
The complainant subsequently noticed that Nutter posted a photo of the euthanized cat on her Gentle Journey Facebook page. The complainant contacted her to remove the photo. Her credit card was billed for a full euthanasia, paw print, and cremation, but only the euthanasia had been performed; she disputed these charges with the credit card company. She also received an email (likely automated) asking her to review Gentle Journey's services. She wants Nutter investigated for mental and emotional instability as well as acting in an aggressive and threatening manner toward an animal and humans. She also hopes that somehow Nutter can find a way to get better. (The Findings of Fact tend to back up the complainant's worries about Nutter's professionalism and mental health. Nutter had called Bilsland regarding the alleged abuse and "Dr. Bilsland further stated that Dr. Nutter was extremely aggressive and rude during the phone conversation. She was unable to explain anything about the case due to Dr. Nutter shouting.")
Nutter tells us that when she walked in and she saw the cat barely moving on the floor and trying to find a comfortable way to rest; she also says the cat was missing amounts of flesh on his face and the mere sight of it made her cry in a way that she never has in 16 years of euthanizing animals from her home-based business. She says that the staff member appeared to be disconnected from the cat's state and not appreciative of her needing to administer the euthanasia quickly to end the suffering; this made her even more suspicious that there had been animal abuse. She also says she tried to "educate" them about the cat's current state and that there was no way this cat had any "fire" left in him two days ago. Once she had done the euthanasia she hurried to take photographs as evidence as she didn't want them to groom the cat and make him look better. She also says that the complainant hadn't been called at this point and has no witnesses (the complainant says she heard the whole thing on speakerphone and actually lists witnesses that the investigators never talked to).
Nutter also says that while she was shaky she was not emotionally unstable. She relates that she decided to go wait in her car for the police because it was very warm; indeed she says that everyone was being very nice to each other and someone even gave her the directions to the local Circle K to get a drink. She even says the complainant's husband was understanding once she explained the situation. We're also told that she never received the complainant's emails, that the email the complainant received was a routine feedback email and a very professional part of her business, and that she never had the chance to partially refund the complainant because the complainant already issued a chargeback. She claims the complainant still hasn't paid the euthanasia bill. She also admits using the dead cat's photo on her Gentle Journey Facebook page to tell people that there is more to suffering than not eating and drinking, but she didn't post the cat's name or the person's name; she just wanted to educate people about more euthanasia. She says she took down the post once she got the complainant's message. (Her Facebook page as of early 2023 is, subjectively speaking, somewhat disturbing at a minimum, but at least there are no photos of corpses.)
The Investigative Committee said that it was understandable that everyone was upset but that Nutter was genuinely concerned she had a duty to report animal abuse. They also said that her conduct was in no way unprofessional, though maybe it could have been handled better. There doesn't appear to be any note that they spoke with the complainant's listed witnesses or even attempted to, nor does it appear they referenced the alleged police report. The Board disagreed somewhat and felt that Nutter was unprofessional posting a picture of the dead cat on Facebook; she had to take a continuing education class.
As to Nutter and Gentle Journey, she's been in this business for a while. According to her website she started out in the business after watching animals suffering in intensive care units and critical care wards; she tells us she was so happy to give them needed release. She even offers videos you can subscribe to on her website; they'll help you learn if the time is right to end it all. She also has glowing reviews from former veterinarians who worked for her saying it's a great job where you don't have a lot of paperwork and can set your own hours: "Make the life change you’ve been dreaming about and email now." Quoted are Hayley Shafer (as of 2023 working alongside former Arizona Veterinary Medical Assocation President Al Schleappe at Caring Hearts), wildlife veterinarian and relative nobody Adrien Pesque, Texas mobile veterinary acupuncturist and PetMD author Amanda Simonson, and Banfield Pet Hospital Director and Arizona Veterinary Medical Association Director Lisa Schnier. Schnier is quoted saying it was a great way to earn supplemental income and spend more time with her family while maintaining a flexible schedule; no doubt some of that supplemental income allowed her to afford her $1.5 million Paradise Valley house with fellow veterinarian and upcoming respondent Jonathan Schnier (21-47).
For a similar case where vets call the cops on someone to lean on them to knock off the family dog, go back to 18-05. In that case, a dog dying of penile cancer just wouldn't die fast enough so the vet and the Arizona Humane Society got the cops involved.
| Source: | April 4, 2021 PM Investigative Committee Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Christina Nutter Guttuso | Respondent |
| Roll Call: | |
| Adam Almaraz | Aye |
| Amrit Rai | Aye |
| Brian Sidaway | Aye |
| Cameron Dow | Aye |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | May 5, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| Seconded By: | Darren Wright |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Sarah Heinrich | Absent |
| Violations: | |
| ARS 32-2232 (12) Failure to show respect and provide considerate treatment | |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | May 5, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| Proposed By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| Seconded By: | Darren Wright |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Aye |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Aye |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Sarah Heinrich | Absent |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | July 7, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Christina Guttuso Nutter | Respondent |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| Seconded By: | Darren Wright |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Nay |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Sarah Heinrich | Absent |
| Violations: | |
| ARS 32-2232 (12) Failure to show respect | |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | July 7, 2021 Board Meeting |
|---|---|
| People: | |
| Christina Guttuso Nutter | Respondent |
| David Stoll | Respondent Attorney |
| Proposed By: | Robyn Jaynes |
| Seconded By: | Darren Wright |
| Roll Call: | |
| Darren Wright | Aye |
| J Greg Byrne | Absent |
| Jane Soloman | Aye |
| Jessica Creager | Aye |
| Jim Loughead | Nay |
| Nikki Frost | Aye |
| Robyn Jaynes | Aye |
| Sarah Heinrich | Absent |
| Result: | Passed |
| Source: | Order 21043 (August 8, 2021) |
|---|---|
| Violations: | |
| A.R.S. § 32-2232(12) as it relates to A.A.C. R3-11-501(1) failure to show respect and provide considerate treatment to the pet owner by posting a photograph of the cat on social media without the pet owner's consent. | |
| Penalties: | |
| Probation (1 year) | |
| Continuing education (4 hours in veterinary medical ethics) | |
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.