Oklahoma City dog groomer duped after customer refuses to pay

OKLAHOMA CITY — A local dog groomer was duped after she says a woman refused to pay for services rendered. That woman is now warning other groomers in the area to beware.

Norma Poe, the owner of All Paws Grooming by Norma, says what started out as a simple business transaction, quickly turned violent.

"She ended up putting her foot through my window, yanking my door open,” Poe said.

The suspect wanted back her two Schnauzers, Lola and Max. But Poe wasn't giving them back until the suspect paid the $170 she owed for the grooming.

"I was like if you have the money, I release the dogs,” Poe said.

The violence that allegedly followed prompted Poe to call police. A report was filed along with a citation for destroying property. Poe was eventually ordered to relinquish the suspect's dogs. She has since filed a civil lawsuit, as well as a victim protection order. All of this leaving her out of more money than she started with.

"I had to go and spend money that I didn't have just to go and get it done,” Poe said.

FOX 25 opted not to identify the suspect in this case because she has not formally been charged.

Because this is a civil matter, Oklahoma City police tell us Poe had no other choice but to give the dogs back. Police also say the only way to pursue payment in this matter is through civil court.