Simi Valley Dog Groomer Posts Explosive Security Video of Customer Confrontation: "Is This Acceptable Behavior?"

A Simi Valley dog groomer has posted security camera footage of an explosive confrontation with a customer — and the video is tearing through local social media.

Sydni Salazar, owner of Cosmopawlitan, a family-owned grooming business with shops in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, shared the footage with Joe Knows Ventura. The security video, timestamped Saturday afternoon, appears to show the customer yelling at employees in front of other customers — and aggressively pulling and jerking her own small dog by its collar near the shop's front counter.

"This is the pickup," Salazar wrote in a Facebook post sharing the video. "How is this acceptable behavior?"

What led up to it, according to Salazar: the customer dropped her dog off for a short cut, and the shop called the owner after drop-off to confirm, since the dog was matted. She gave the okay. But at pickup, Salazar says, the customer erupted — screaming at staff in front of other customers.

Then came the demand. Salazar says the customer didn't just want that visit refunded — she demanded reimbursement for every prior visit, despite having received those services.

"She even asked to be reimbursed for all prior visits," Salazar wrote. "I'm posting because in case anyone in my Facebook has a business in Simi Valley, steer clear from this woman."

[cta:back-taxes]

The fallout went public fast. Salazar says the customer took to Facebook to criticize the family business, sharing her version of events and drawing negative attention. In response, Salazar posted the security footage "so the public could see what happened and make their own judgements."

"Now the video is gaining attention online and we've seen strong reactions on both sides," Salazar told Joe Knows Ventura.

Her Facebook post sharing the footage showed 229 likes, 166 comments and 24 shares — and the comments are split.

Salazar identifies the customer as Lana Khachaturov, who she says owns Floral Passion, a flower shop in Canoga Park. Joe Knows Ventura has not independently verified the customer's identity.

"Shame on her, especially as a fellow business owner," Salazar said. "She, of all people, should understand the hard work, time, and dedication that go into running a small business. To verbally mistreat hardworking employees, behave aggressively toward an animal, disrupt other customers, and then demand reimbursement for services already provided is incredibly disappointing."

Salazar also described the customer's exit: "She appeared unsteady on her feet, stumbling on her way out, and nearly collided with another vehicle while leaving the parking lot."

[COMMENT PENDING — customer's response. Her side: she posted her own account on Facebook disputing Salazar's version.]

Who is Bubbles? Some readers will recognize Salazar's dog Bubbles — a hairless French bulldog who was featured in The Honest Kitchen's national "The Best Isn't Always the Prettiest" billboard campaign earlier this year. Salazar says Bubbles spent four months in a shelter before being rescued by the family.

"Respect, kindness, and basic human decency should never be optional," Salazar said. "Especially when you expect the community to support your own business."

This story is developing. We will update it with the customer's response.