What makes you cry?

It has been twenty two days since Bones went missing in Toledo Ohio.  Absolutely no progress has been made in locating this documented dangerous dog.  The loss of any dog is a sad thing but the response of those posting on the Bones Battle Facebook page is out of all proportion to the event.  People who have never seen Bones, never laid hands on him, know nothing about the dog other than what has been written on  wildly emotional Facebook pages offer endless prayers and tears.  They write as if their hearts are broken.

Here is a topic that breaks my heart.  Possibly the Bones Battle crew might give this some consideration.  I have updated a post on the Shriners Hospital for Children in Cincinnati Ohio.  Click here for that post.  I will re-post the new material and I hope this might be food for thought.  Can you cry for this child?  His life is changed forever.  Garrett will never again play baseball, or football, he will never lift his children in the air to hear them laugh.  Garrett will never lift his left arm above his shoulder. Will anyone weep for Garrett?


1/27/2013 Update.  Garrett Carrier of Middleburg Kentucky will have surgery at Cincinnati Shriner's Hospital for Children.  Garrett will join other pit bull mauling survivors being treated at the Shriners Hospital Burn Center.

Garrett almost lost his arm to a pit bull attack last July. Garrett's mother describes the surgery. "“They’re going to take muscle from his back and build him a new armpit, and they’re hoping there’s enough left over to build him a new deltoid, too,” his mother explains. “They’re also going to take some nerves from his ankle to put in his arm, and give him Botox injections to firm up the muscle.” 

Per the Central Kentucky News "If Garrett’s upcoming surgery is successful, doctors believe the range of motion of his left arm will increase dramatically, though he’ll probably never be able to raise it above his shoulder. And it is hoped, with continued therapy, that he will regain 100 percent of the function of his left hand, Sims said.

While those outcomes would be something to cheer about, the damage done by the dog bites will never be repaired enough to allow him to resume playing baseball, basketball, football and other activities that used to be his favorite things. It’s something he’s learning to accept."  

Pit bull attacks change lives, it is a disgrace that children continue to suffer maulings like Garrett's.  The pit bull that mauled Garrett has been put down and the owners of that dog have moved away.   These dog owners have simply walked away from the suffering they created.   

Bones, day 17, still missing

Bones, the dog too dangerous to remain in New York City has been missing in Ohio for 17 days.  There are no good leads on the actual location of this dog.  Partisans for both Lexus Project and for North West Ohio Underdog continue to make statements accusing each other of improper actions and lack of concern for Bones. There has been no remark made by either side indicating concern for the safety of the public, just prayers for the safe return of the dog .

On January 4, 2012  Bones became the legal property of,  and responsibility of animal rights lawyers, the Lexus Project.  They got exactly what they demanded.  One would think that careful consideration would be given to disposition of this dog... not so much.  Bones was sent to North West Ohio Underdog Rescue in  Toledo Ohio on the recommendation of someone known to Lexus Project without background check, without inspection of facilities, without apparent notification of the Lucas County Dog Warden, without notification of the Lucas County Board of Health.  Recent developments have proven that the Lexus Project made a poor decision.

The Lexus Project, apparently embarrassed by lack of progress in locating Bones, has moved the story off the Lexus Project Facebook page and onto a separate Facebook page, Bones Battle.  This is an ancillary  Lexus Project  page set up December 3, 2011 when Bones was held by the New York City justice system and it continues to exist.  In the early days post after post was made, most written for breed specific advocacy websites, the pit bull intensive Examiner, or BSL News, Change.org, BADRAP, some urging the faithful to go right to the Petition Site RIGHT NOW!!! to lobby for the release of the dog used as a weapon in the murder of a New York City man.  Many posts begin with the same words "This is what we can do TODAY to see that Bones is safe, please donate to The Bones Trust Fund so The Lexus Project can become legal guardian for Bones Please share.."  Bones became part of the fundraising efforts of animal rights and breed specific advocacy.

The Bones Battle Facebook page is now being moderated by Carissa Curry,  a 25 year old single mother and nursing assistant living in Toledo Ohio.

Carissa Curry

January 17

I just wanted to let everyone know that I'm helping out The Lexus Project by helping to run "Bones Battle" page. He was the dog stolen out of Toledo Ohio. We are trying very hard to have him safely returned. Can you please help us out by "liking" and "sharing" his page so that we are able to get the word out to more people therefore increasing the chance he is found.www.facebook.com/BonesBattle Thank you all SO MUCH!! I really appreciate it!

For more about Carissa please click here.   This is her Chip-in page.  Please note that there is a dispute between Carissa and the Lucas County Animal Control Department.  Curry's dog bit a man while she was at work, her claim  per her Chip-in page " Carissa suspects that the man tried to enter her home and startled Duke when he entered her home. Duke then chased the man out of the house."  If Curry has charges still pending from pit bull intensive Lucas County Animal Control you can bet there is another side to the story. Not surprisingly, the Lexus Project is handling this case and Carissa would like you to help pay for it .  

Back to the North West Ohio Underdog rescues,  where might these  dangerous dogs be now?  Lexus Project has a theory. On January 14th, 2013 Larisa, presumably Larisa Scharikin Vice president and coordinator for the Lexus Project and moderator of the Lexus Project Facebook page posted  " I now understand why Bones has not been searched for by Kat- she been too busy removing the existing dogs from her residence to hide whatever dirty secrets were going on there."   On 1/19/2013 Larisa (or Carissa) posted "You can run but you can not hide, We will find out what happened to Bones whether in Toledo or Luckey (Ohio)."  Larisa (or Carissa)  added "I know exactly where she (Sutter) is.  She text (sic) me a couple of weeks ago when Bones went missing that she was moving and when Bones came back he would love it".

A move to Luckey Ohio would make Sutter, and the remnants of North West Ohio Underdog the responsibility of Wood County.  The Wood County Dog Warden is Andrew Snyder.  It should be noted that Dog Warden Snyder is President Elect of the Ohio County Dog Warden's Association.

Regulating the "rescue" industry, Bones day 10

A temporary lull in the hostilities between North West Ohio Underdog and the Lexus Project allows a bit of time to examine some of the issues that the Bones affair has exposed.  I am going to begin this post with my summary statement and explain my thoughts.  Regulation of the entire "rescue" industry is long past due.  Please hang in there with me today.

Lets start with just how someone might claim to be qualified to "rehabilitate" dangerous dogs.  In Kathy Sutter's case, it appears that her claim to this skill is based upon a certificate from an E-course from E-Training for Dogs.com.  Sutter spent 18 hours in front of her computer to earn this certificate and she brags that she got a score of 91%.  Note the date on this, 7/31/2012, it will be important later.



Understanding canine behavior would be expected to give Sutter the skills to safely contain the dangerous dogs she "rehabilitates."  In fact, not so much. Sutter explains the disappearance of Bones as a theft during an absence from her home due to the funeral for her father. Condolences to her for her loss, the loss of a beloved parent is a very sad time.  However, it needs to be noted that this is not the first dog lost by NWO Underdog.  This photo is posted on the NWO Underdog Rescue Facebook wall with the message " Sasha got loose with Mason today and Mason returned alone.  She is missing from the LASKEY AND HARVEST AREA.  If you spot her call or TXT 419-508-5730.  Sasha is never mentioned again.  Why was Sasha at NWO Underdog?  Was she there for "rehabilitation"?  Where did she go?

 
Here is a photo of what Sutter identifies as a Mastiff.  Note the comment to the right.  Olivia Westbrook is "praying that he is found safe and returned soon."  This dog also appears to have dropped off the planet. Note the dates on these posts, one just prior to the date on Sutter's certificate and one just after her new certification.

Sutter is a self described specialist in dangerous dogs and she has lost THREE since her rescue was founded in 2011.  Public safety concern?  Yes, big time!  Dangerous dogs require containment per Ohio law.  Where was the County Dog Warden and the Board of Health?  Were they aware of any of this?  They should have been.

Lets take a look at some of Sutters observations on the behavior of Bones in light of her "education".  On the North West Ohio Underdog blog Sutter describes Bones "He also has a soft lovey side where he will rub up against you back and forth like a cat. Or climb on your lap like hes tiny weenie…" Well that is one school of thought but there is another, brought to my attention by by a comment from a friend, I completely missed this remark.   "It is interesting that this behavior is so pronounced that the idiot rescuer noted it as a particular trait of this dog and also, after experiencing it, perceived it as a noteworthy, positive trait! Wow!"

Sue Sternberg, author of the book Successful Dog Adoption, an authority on successful shelter adoption with over 30 years of canine behavior experience, Executive Director of the Community Animal Shelter Association has another term for bones behavior, anal swipe.  She defines this term as scent marking and observes that is found in "the most dangerous type of dogs."

Most Dangerous Profile Correlations

I consider the large, muscular, non—sociable dog who shows many ‘scent marking’ behaviors as the most dangerous type of dog. I believe dogs that are both physically large and strong, as well as show no attachment to humans, but rub on them with their shoulders and anus, have the most potential for harm. To me, these are not in any way ‘pet’ or ‘companion’ dogs, but rather predators. I also believe that it is, in part (along with training, relationship, bonding, bite-inhibition training) sociability that helps a dog inhibit his bite if and when the dog was to get aggressive.

This is a long copy and paste but a LOT going on here scroll down to the bottom of the page for the Bones update.  

"March 29,2012 UPDATE :Boney is doing very well. So far the biggest challenge is teaching him to play with dog toys and not do what I call the “spin and destroy” Apparently in his former life he was allowed maybe even encouraged to do this. He will pic an object …Bark at it as if he is warning it… and then grab it and start spinning around in circles while he destroys it.  At first he was almost unstopable. The first thing we had to take from him was a garbage can lid.  I was amused at first, because it is funny to see such a big dog spin in circles like that. But then he started tearing it to pieces and cut the inside of his mouth and was bleeding….blood was running down the front of  him and he was not gonna let go of that lid. That day it took 3 of us to get that lid from him. One person to grab his collar (thank heaven for Martingale collars) One person to grab the lid (me) and the 3rd person to throw a bucket of water on him.At first the two of us tried to get the lid. When it became apparent that no amount of scolding was gonna make him drop the lid. I enlisted the 3rd person to throw the water on him to distract him. Well that worked, because it was cold and he was shocked, so he let go of the lid I was pulling on and I quickly put it over the fence out of his reach.The water only worked once though. The next time we tried that he avoided the water and went the other way. He was also smart enough to get out of the reach of the hose.

Since then he has made great progress. Now when he starts to warn an item that he wishes to spin and destroy I can tell him “NO, you go play with your toys” and he will leave it alone. I put the lawn chairs out the other day so its a new thing for him to try to pick on…. I have only had to tell him NO a few times….The lawn chairs are defiantly still in danger though…lol

During transport here there was an incident with a baby gate that he ripped out of the van and spun and destroyed in the parking lot. Seeing this behavior for the first time is kinda scary if you have never dealt with a large powerful dog. However it IS play behavior.

This behavior was learned over years of time spent with his former owner and may take quite some time to change. As long as it is only objects in the yard and not other dogs or people. Its not all that scary…

He loves his KONG balls and he has destroyed 4  jolly Balls so far. He will always need an outlet for his energy …he will fetch until he is out of breath and then just try to hold all the balls…He also has a soft lovey side where he will rub up against you back and forth like a cat.  Or climb on your lap like hes tiny weenie..."

Sutter excuses these behaviors as "scary if you have never dealt with a large powerful dog.  However it IS play behavior."  She reassures her readers that "as long as it is only objects in the yard and not other dogs or people.  It's not all that scary."  Remember the story about the attack suit?  "Shortly after Bones was here he began training … hanging on the wall in the group dog class was a protection suit (used for attack training)

Bones ripped that suit off the wall and attacked it. After class, the trainer and I did some tests and he determined Bones had been trained to attack but not trained to release.

Are these the behaviors of a dog Sutter, with her E-Course certificate, describes as "playful" or the behaviors that Sternberg would consider a predator?  My money is on Sternberg.  This dog is at large in Ohio and I find that scary as hell. 

Another thing I find scary as hell is the Lexus Project.  Lexus Project is run by lawyers who would be expected to use due diligence.  Here is a definition of the term legal term from Webster.

Definition of DUE DILIGENCE

1

: the care that a reasonable person exercises to avoid harm to other persons or their property

2

: research and analysis of a company or organization done in preparation for a business transaction (as a corporate merger or purchase of securities)

Lexus Project animal rights lawyers should be reasonable people exercising care to avoid harm to other persons.  They should be researching and analyzing organizations in preparation for a transaction.  They did absolutely none of this prior to entering into an agreement with NWO Underdog.  The Lexus Project will intervene for any dog, no matter how violent, as long as the owner signs this agreement.  Since the Lexus Project claims ownership of Bones they are legally responsible for any injuries he may cause. Deep pockets indeed.  

Regulation of the "rescue " industry is long past due.  Animal rights activists and lawyers feel that every dog must be saved at any cost.  They ignore common sense and public safety.  Violent dogs, like Bones are trafficked across state lines and communities are not aware of the dangers.  Rescue advocates like Rebecca Carey and Mary Jo Hunt are being killed by the very dogs they harbor.  Children like Frankie Flora suffer life altering injuries.  The pit bull that  mauled Frankie was placed with Frankie's aunt by Out of the Pits Rescue

Every "rescue" should be licensed and inspected. Every "rescue" claiming 501c3 status should post proof.      Any time a dog with a violent past is to be moved from the community where its history is known there MUST be notification sent to the prospective location so the facility can be assessed for safety and public health.  These steps would go a long way to preventing a mess like NWO Underdog, Spindletop, the current Portland scandal and too many others to list.  

And remember if you see this dog, call the police. 

Photo courtesy of the NWO Underdog Rescue public Facebook page.

Manure slinging, Bones remains MIA, day 9

For a situation with absolutely no news, the Bones saga just keeps getting more outrageous by the day.  North West Ohio Underdog Rescue and the Lexus Project continue to sling manure at each other.

This post from Northwest Ohio Underdog dated 1/14/2013.
BONES IS STILL MISSING :

Statement of Facts :

On 1/13/2012 Bones was released from Brooklyn Center AC of New York to the custody of Richard Rosenthal of the Lexus Project. It cost $395.00 to get him out of doggie jail. The plan was for Richard and Robin Mittasch to transport him to a point where my professional Transport team could pick him up.
Before they could even begin transport I received a panicked call from Robin stating Bones had gone crazy and ripped the baby gate from their van and was spinning it the parking lot with it. Richard was trying to grab the gate from Bones, but was not having any luck. She then stated they were having a vet tech come out to sedate Bones for the trip.
When my transport met Richard and got Bones they did not have any trouble in fact I have pictures of him sitting in the back seat looking over the drivers shoulder.
Bones spent the night at their house and was brought to Toledo the next morning.

Bones arrived in Toledo and immediately began playing in the yard. Robin told me he was my dog now and he came with a $300.00 check the balance of the funds raised for his defense. 

Shortly after Bones was here he began training … hanging on the wall in the group dog class was a protection suit (used for attack training)
Bones ripped that suit off the wall and attacked it. After class, the trainer and I did some tests and he determined Bones had been trained to attack but not trained to release.
It was at this time, that I told Robin that Bones would probably never be adoptable because of the 4 pages of bite reports from New York and the attack training.
She said I’m sorry he’s going to take up a spot in your rescue, I said I am happy to keep him he’s a good boy for me. A year went by before I spoke with Robin again. I did send her a few photos with my cell phone, as I will often do when someone has helped save the dogs life.

NWO-Underdog Rescue Inc. is a 501c3 Non Profit Animal rescue. I specialize in dogs with behavior issues. The dogs everyone else passes by or gives up on. I am dedicated to these dogs and they stay with me until they are ready to be adopted, regardless if they are funded or not. The rescue itself, USED to be a garage and was finished in 2006. It is insulated sound proofed and has heat and air conditioning. There are 10 dogs in there.
The other 5 dogs are my dogs and they live in the house with me.

On January 5th 2013 between the hours of 8am and 9pm. Someone broke a door on the side of the rescue and stole Bones. He’s a good boy, so I am sure he walked right out with them… they also took his new blanket he got for Christmas and his toy.
On Sunday January 6, 2013 at 9:30 am a police report was filed.

Flyers were created and distributed, Julie Lyle the dog warden was notified.

A media crusade was launched to get the word out. I would like to thank the media.

Toledo Blade interviewed me for an article that ran on January 7, 2013.
http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2013/01/07/Dog-freed-in-murder-stolen-from-local-kennel.html

Channel 13 also interviewed me
http://www.13abc.com/story/20524719/toledo-dognapping-has-ties-to-new-york-murder-case


Channel 11 also did a video segment.
http://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/20526543/famous-dog-stolen-from-rescue-home


At some point Robin Mittasch of the Lexus Project began to feel I was not doing enough to find Bones. It was at that time that the page “Bones Battle” Originally created while Bones was in NY AC by Jayne Cvetonaski and myself was taken over by Robin of the Lexus Project and a slander campaign began against NWO-Underdog Rescue Inc.
We had permitted someone from TLP to have administration rights on the page to help share dogs they were trying to help.

In the last 36 hours INSTEAD of looking for Bones they have slandered every way they possibly can. Including but not limited to, having people drive by here and posting the address and house specifications and inviting people to come check us out.
This is a huge safety issue for the other high profile dogs in my care.

So to answer someone’s question as to why I am not on here defending myself.

1) My first priority is running down leads generated by flyers and news media.
2) My second priority securing a safe place for the remaining dogs.

The remaining dogs have been moved to a secure location.

AGAIN TO BE CLEAR, BONES AND MYSELF ARE THE VICTIMS HERE.

I will not be answering questions, I do not have time to sit on facebook all day.
No one who is sitting on Facebook all day can possibly be doing anything for any living creature in his or her care.

Toledo Police have been notified and ANOTHER police report has been filed, for menacing this time. Driving by here is stalking. Stepping onto the property is trespassing. You will be charged.

For the people out there that are truly interested in helping find Bones by posting flyers you can inbox me and I will send you the flyer to print out and distribute.

There are a few questions that jump out from Sutter's  statement. Does Ms. Sutter consider the calm demeanor of Bones after the violent outburst during transport might be a result of the sedative that was administered to Bones?

Ms. Sutter states that she was told that Bones was her dog now, was there a legal transfer of title? The Ohio Revised Code requires the completion of a Transfer of Title to a Vicious Dog.  This transfer is to be filed with the County Dog Warden and the County Board of Health.   Was Julie Lyle, the Lucas County Dog Warden, aware that a "rescue" housed in a small garage behind a tiny house in Toledo, apparently already full of dangerous dogs,  accepted a dog too dangerous to remain in New York City?  Did she sign off on this?  Is she investigating North West Ohio Underdog Rescue now?  Does the Lucas County Board of Health have any thoughts on the numbers of "high profile" dogs with "behavior issues" that North West Ohio Underdog is hoarding in that garage?  Bones was following his genetic blueprint when he refused to terminate the attack.

This is a direct quote from Sutter's statement "Shortly after Bones was here he began training … hanging on the wall in the group dog class was a protection suit (used for attack training) Bones ripped that suit off the wall and attacked it. After class, the trainer and I did some tests and he determined Bones had been trained to attack but not trained to release."  Pit bull expert Diane Jessup has some thoughts on "ring work" for pit bulls which might shed some light on Bones attack on the protection suit.   There are aspects of ring sport which put the bulldog at a disadvantage when competing against sheepdogs like shepherds and malinois. The sport requires the dog, at times, to bite and then quickly release and retreat - something no true bulldog is willing to do. Also, biting the leg, which is considered preferable, takes more training for a bulldog who will naturally shun the extremities in favor of the more "courageous" bites to the body. A bulldog is bred to grip the head of its prey - whereas a sheepdog nips the legs.

Bones was following his genetic blueprint when he refused to terminate the attack and this dog is apparently at large in a densely populated Ohio city.  There has been no mention of the possibility of dangerous behavior  from this dog in  any "lost dog"  ads or flyers.  Wouldn't this be an important  fact to share with the public?

Sutter stated "It was at this time, that I told Robin that Bones would probably never be adoptable because of the 4 pages of bite reports from New York and the attack training."     There are FOUR PAGES of bite reports from New York and Sutter has not seen fit to share this information?

Please take a look at comments on Sutter's post. It was suggested that  the Lexus Project stole Bones.  The lawyers who run the Lexus Project drove to Toledo Ohio from Oceanside NY to steal Bones???  Well, this is a wacky conspiracy theory. Nobody has said "holy cow, we need to get this dog off the streets before he bites somebody."   Instead comments run to "we need to find this poor baby, he must be scared and cold."  What the hell are these people thinking?

Meanwhile, at the Lexus Project Facebook page we find this post,
 

The Lexus Project, Legal Defense for Dogs

11 hours ago

I now understand why Bones has not been searched for by Kat- she been too busy removing the existing dogs from her residence to hide whatever dirty secrets were going on there. Take a look at her public statement on Nwo- underdog rescue. We will find Bones and bring him home.

Followed by,
 The Lexus Project, Legal Defense for Dogs It is true he had been in her "care" for the past year as she states her program is about a year, however he is legally ours. With signed transfer of ownership to us dated December 30, 2011. Please don't count on anything you read there. Just please let's concentrate on helping to find him by sharing and passing the word that he is Mia..we can deal with the craziness after he is found. I have a few amazing Toledo people who have been exceptionally helpful. If you are in the Toledo area specifically by the mall area please contact Tlp so we can arrange you to hook up with our regional point person in Toledo. Thelexusproject@optonline.net

The Toledo Blade has checked in on the North West Ohio Underdog v. the Lexus Project as well.

Get comfortable folks, there is a LONG way to go on this one.

Bones, eight days and counting... 1/13/2012

The Bones saga continues.  While North West Ohio Underdog Rescue has not posted anything new on their Facebook page, Lexus Project sure has.  The newest charge from Lexus Project is that the 501c3 North West Ohio Underdog Rescue is not, and never has been a 501c3.  This would be fraud,  Yes?

Lets go back in time a bit, to March of 2011 when Kathy Sutter's real estate business, Flip Realty LLC, went belly up.  On her public Facebook page Ms. Sutter stated and note the last line, share, share, share, thank you Ms. Sutter, I am sharing your notes.    

Announcing NWO-Underdog Rescue Inc.

by Kathy Sutter on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 10:09pm ·

Well Folks the real estate company has gone to the dogs ...literally ...

Flip Realty LLC has closed its doors and a new venture is underway.

I am pleased to announce North West Ohio Underdog Rescue Inc..

We will be based in Toledo Ohio and called North West Ohio Underdog Rescue.

(NWO- Underdog Rescue)

We will be a 501c3 Non Profit organization status is pending.

We will rescue any breed of Dogs or Cats. 

Bully Breeds are the most in danger of being killed in the shelters and the most understood, so we will probably rescue many bully breeds.

My former Real Estate Office will serve as intake and temporary housing, animals will get their pictures taken and cleaned up and checked over before going to the vet and then to a foster home.

I am looking for local and non local fosters, vet techs, vets and any contributions that can help with set up.  We could use Cages, dog beds, fencing for dog runs…anything dog and cat related will help.

I have started a Profile and pages for NWO-Underdog Rescue here are the links.

Page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/NWO-Underdog-Rescue/110136615735438?sk=wall

Profile- http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002230780008

Please add us as friends and like our page. & Share share share

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This statement appeared on the public Facebook page of Lexus Project today: 

The Lexus Project, Legal Defense for Dogs

3 hours ago

 it's not an issue getting a 501c3, it's a problem advertising you do. I have an email dated 1/2012 from Kat saying she was in the middle of obtaining her 501c3 status. We applied in June. We got it in September.

• Molly LaMountain she is claiming she is 501c3 and ISN'T?! holy hell.

  3 hours ago · Like · 3
• 

  The Lexus Project, Legal Defense for Dogs Yes Molly lamountain.

  3 hours ago · Like 

                    

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  This comment from Mary Ann Jacob shows that some rescue groups have a basic understanding of what to look for in a 501c3 rescue.  Why didn't the LAWYERS who run the Lexus Project consider any of this?  

  Mary Ann Jacob Just like everything else rescue has the good, the bad and those that mean well but just can't do it. I know some 501c3 rescues that are horrible and I know a few rescues that aren't 501c3 rescues that do a beautiful job. 
  
  I don't blame The Lexus Project for placing a dog where they thought he would be safe and no one else should either. Most people including some rescues have no idea what to look for or to do when placing an animal into a rescue, sanctuary or boarding facility that is not close enough to visit themselves.
  
  First of all you want to check with the local city or county Animal Control or Services, do they have any complaints, do they take animals from their facility, does the county require inspections? Then you want their Vet References find out from the Vet how many animals have been seen, are they UTD on shots,spayed or neutered what other type of medical have they seen. Have animals come in that looked like they were neglected under their care, are they treating for HW's and other common illnesses? 
  
  Then check the place out if you can't get their yourself then get someone closer to do it. Get someone who has no opinion one way or the other, do not get someone who has previously dealt with them. Don't tell them your coming a week in advance, let them know when your actually on the way. Most anyone can tell if a place is kept up if it is a kennel yes there may be waste in one or two of the kennels, but it should be clean otherwise with clean water and food bowls. Ask how often the dogs are run. If they offer training the name of the person who does this. If they are going into foster who is going to foster them? Did they do a home check on the foster, can you visit the foster? If the animal is going to be with them long term then you need to follow through about once every 6 months with a visit or send someone and then you ask to see the dog and the Vet records if there are any. 
  

  If you think there is a problem, then go with your gut. This doesn't solve all of the problems but it does cut down on a lot of it. If some of the rescues had done this Spindletop and Animal Sanctuary Refuge they both would have been stopped before it got so bad,
  
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  Below is the "about me" information from the public Facebook page of North West Ohio Underdog Rescue, please note the claim of 501c3 status.

  • I tried to rescue my first animal in kindergarten... I tried to bring home the class hamster by writing a fake note from my parents...of course I got busted when the teacher called my mom to say how cute it was that she helped me write my own note... stray and hurt animals have been finding their way to me ever since... NWO-UNDERDOG RESCUE is located in Toledo Ohio. nwo-underdogrescue@buckeye-express.com 419-508-5730 A 501 c (3) NON PROFIT I rescue large breed & bully breeds, mostly abused or neglected ones. Dogs that would be considered un-adoptable because of circumstances beyond their control. They get time to work through their issues caused by their former humans. Training and love...Then when they are ready .. they get new homes. Bully Breeds & Large Breeds are the most in danger of being killed in the shelters and the most understood. I will help any dog or cat that needs help. But my experience lies with large stubborn dogs. :) I specialize in fear based aggression due to circumstances beyond the dogs control (abuse by former humans) Fear is fear for what ever the reason. Many different fears cause many forms of aggressive behavior in dogs. Positive reinforcement for good behavior, love and time is the way they are trained.
  • Lives in Toledo, Ohio
     Who is telling the truth here, Kathy Sutter or the the  Lexus Project?  I have no idea, but the Lexus Project had a duty to investigate the Northwest Ohio Underdog Rescue prior to placing a dangerous dog in Kathy Sutter's care.  The Lexus Project is run by Robin Mittasch and her husband Rich Mittasch.  Rich Mittasch is a lawyer, he needs to do his job here.  Kathy Sutter indicated in March 2011 that she planned to obtain 501c3 status.  The Lexus Project claims that as of January 2012 North West Ohio Underdog is in "the middle of obtaining" it.  
    I'm going to make more popcorn, this shows no sign of resolution anytime soon. thy 

Bones update

The Bones affair is rapidly evolving into a soap opera.  To say that the working relationship between Northwest Ohio Underdog Rescue and the Lexus Project has become strained would be an understatement.  The city of Toledo is seven days into this disaster and neither Northwest Ohio Underdog Rescue or the Lexus project has a single word to say about any public safety concerns.

This morning (1/12/2013) on their public Facebook page Northwest Ohio Underdog states " UPDATE ON BONES: There is no new information on Bones, the tips coming in are on white dogs that look like him but so far have not been any concrete leads. The Lexus Project has seen fit to blame the rescue and slander our name. This is very sad and unprofessional behavior and I feel it only hurts our chances of finding him. This matter will be turned over to my attorney at this time."

This morning (1/12/2013) on their public Facebook page the Lexus Project stated  "I am getting too many emails about Bones to be able to answer everyone individually. 

Right now we are having some serious doubts regarding the varasity (sic) of what we were being told by "kat" -kathy sutter (Johnston) of NWO dog rescue of Toledo Ohio,

After we were given custody of Bones he was place (sic) with Kat for rehabilitation so that we could eventually place him in a forever home. almost immediately, though he was proving to be a loving, happy and playful dog, Kat started telling us he was not adoptable, though she could never articulate a clear reason. We continued to receive pictures of him playing and happy and it was clear she loved him and was giving him attention so we allowed it to continue.

Recently, the photos and reports stopped. on Sunday, January 6 i received a matter of fact text (sent at 8 am, read at 9 am)from Kat asking me if she could give me a call but I should have a cup,of coffee first as it was early.

30 minutes later Kat called to tell me that someone had broken into the house the day before and Bones was stolen along with his blanket and toy. Only Bones was stolen out of 16 dogs. When I asked her what the police had said, she told me she hadn't called them and had done nothing to find him or set out an alarm to try and get him back. Though we found it strange that she was being so matter of fact about this, we understood that she had been at her fathers wake and was emotionally drained. We offers (sic) our condolences when we learned of her fathers death.

Being knowledgable (sic)  about how to bring home a lost dog I went over the steps that had to be taken starting with the most important step: 500 PLASTIC enclosed flyers posted everywhere with his picture. We offered to pay for that. flyers bring home lost dogs and are a continuing reminder after the news forgets or when the delivery boy sees the dog while delivering pizza or Chinese or whatever. Additionally we insisted she notify police, animal control and call each vet, and shelter. We offered to call vets and shelters but she said she had someone doing it.

We posted on craiglsit (sic) since that hadn't been done and spoke to the reporter from the blade and one of the tv stations to help get the word out.

TLP is lucky to have a wonderful and large following of supporters who helped to mobilize and get the word out about Bones. As the hours and days past (sic), we started to notice that Kats story was inconsistent to what she was telling other people. After one person called animal control because of an supposed sighting, animal control knew nothing other than what they heard on the news and had never been contacted. As Kat had assured us, animal control had been contacted and were going to try and help, we personally called animal control and were told other than seeing this on the news, no one had contacted them about Bones. When we called the Toledo police department, we were told no report was filed. ( We find that very strange not reporting a breaking and entering) when we had a local person go to the Pizza Hut where he was supposedly spotted, the Pizza Hut employees and manager knew nothing and they had no fliers. Nor had anyone followed up with them. We left fliers with them. It was also noted that there were no fliers anywhere.

Additionally we found out that she had been telling the volunteers we had rounded up to ignore us and not to worry or bother with the plastic on the fliers ( which otherwise are garbage after the first rain or wind) and not to worry, she'd deal with Tlp. She told us that no one tells her what to do and she will do things her own way.

We find her lies and attitude distressing and can only come to the conclusion that the entire story of a break in is either completely manufactured to hide whatever she has done with bones or she is complicit in his theft and knows more than she is telling. In either case having come to the conclusion that she is untrustworthy and not looking to have Bones found, we must appeal to the public in general and our 12k + supporters to help find Bones and bring him to safety.

Any information should be reported directly to TLP at thelexusproject@optonline.net and will remain confidential. A large reward is offered both for his safe return.

All conversations with Kat are via text and documentable.

This evening (1/12/2013) Lexus Project stated on their public Facebook page  "We are heartbroken that in a week there has been no concrete sighting of Bones. 130 pound white dog. Poof gone. That's what happened to Sasha another dog who was dog aggressive who was being 'rehabbed' by Kat. Poof gone in September. the emails keep pouring in. several have pointed out that maybe Sasha and bones got into it and they are both dead. So many of you think there is a coverup for something. I don't know what to think. I just want Bones returned safely. Thinking he's out there and scare (sic) or hurt or both or worse is starting to really get to us. Thank you for all the emails. We know you are all so concerned.

In response to a question from a supporter Lexus Project stated  "The Lexus Project, Legal Defense for Dogs Here are the facts. Her garage is where she has 16 dogs. she uses crates. Thats the kennel. she said it was converted. seems like a lot of dogs and crates ( they are crated) per sq footage. I had had a great recommendation about her BUT since then that person has turned out to be a real wack a doodle. I don't believe she had that many dogs when she took Bones in. Her home is 725 sq feet and her entire property size is 6700 sq feet. About 100x67. She clearly shouldn't have that many dogs.

A rational adult, looking at the Bones disappearance would have questions.  Why would the animal rights advocates at Lexus Project take a dog too dangerous to remain in New York and send him to a private home in Toledo Ohio?  Why didn't Lexus Project investigate the facilities at Northwest Ohio Underdog? Why does the City of Toledo allow this rescue to operate without adequate containment for the dogs housed there?  Lexus Project claims that Bones is the second aggressive dog to disappear from Northwest Ohio Underdog.  Why wasn't there an investigation after the first disappearance?  Is ANYBODY looking out for the safety of the public???

 We will continue to watch this meltdown...   pass the popcorn.

Another look at how HB 14 fails Ohio residents

From the Toledo Blade, strong supporter of HB 14 comes the story of Bones.  Bones is a 130 pound dog reported by New York newspapers as a pit bull, now identified as a Dogo Argentino.  Bones was involved in a murder in New York City.  This is a complicated story so hang on.

Bones was owned by Shaun Dyer who allegedly killed his roommate by striking him on the head with a pipe. David Shadha, the victim, was able to call 911 and told the dispatcher that Dyer had sicced his dog on him.  Shadha died and bite marks were found on the body.  The dog, covered in blood, was seized.  Apparently the final cause of death was attributed to the head injury so bites inflicted on the victim by Bones, while they obviously existed were not listed as the final cause of death.  Please note in the linked stories that this dog had a bite history.




Enter the Lexus Project, an organization run by animal rights lawyers who feel that dogs facing euthanization for involvement in the deaths of humans  should be "saved" and sent to sanctuaries to live out their lives in protective captivity.  Some question the humanity of sending dogs to what has been referred to as "above ground cemeteries" but the outer fringe of the animal rights movement fails to consider the safety of mere humans or the quality of life for the incarcerated dog.  Operating on the "not in my backyard" principle, New York prosecutors released Bones to the Lexus Project to be removed from their city.  The Lexus Project selected The Northwest Ohio Underdog Rescue operating out of the West Toledo home of Kathy Sutter as the appropriate place for Bones.    Per the Toledo Blade, Ms. Sutter was selected because of her reputation for dealing with aggressive dogs.  This transfer was perfectly legal under the terms of HB 14 because the dog was not implicated in violence in the state of Ohio, and insurance for this dog was no longer required by state law.  The Lexus Project had a plan for Bones to be returned to them at some time in the future for possible adoption.  Please click here for Ms. Sutter's description of Bones behaviors at Northwest Ohio Underdog Rescue, scroll down near the bottom of the page.   For your convenience, there is a "Donate Now" button.  Does any rational person feel that any of this included any provision for public safety????

Now we get into the current problem.  This dog may be at large in the Toledo area.  This dog, transported across state lines for the purposes of rescue, rehabilitation, and re-homing after implication in a New York murder was stolen from the home of Kathy Sutter.  Ms. Sutter describes the dog, the same dog that faced euthanization in New York for his role in the death of David Shadha as "just a massive puppy.  He's as strong as any dog I've encountered.  This is not a Yorkie."  Ms. Sutter's concern is for the safety of the dog with no apparent concern for residents of the community.  She stated "Unfortunately this is the kind of dog that police are frightened of and would shoot it."  The Lexus Project is offering a large reward for the return of Bones.

There are clearly issues that must be considered.  Why was a dog that faced destruction in the city where its history was known, transported across state lines to Ohio?  Don't Ohio residents have any right to safety?  Is the administration of the city of Toledo aware that Ms. Sutter is running a sanctuary for dangerous dogs out of her home?  It has been reported that she kept sixteen dogs in her home.  A google map perusal of  West Toledo reveals small, neat homes set close together with small yards and neighborhood schools.  What provisions have been made for containment of the dangerous dogs housed at Northwest Ohio Underdog Rescue?  A sanctuary for dangerous dogs should be fenced like a maximum security prison.   Is this enterprise insured?  Are there any schools nearby?  Why does an animal rights organization with no concern for human safety have the right to decide where a dog that even they consider to be aggressive will live out the rest of its life? When will the legal system consider the welfare of the public over the wishes of breed specific advocates,  animal rights loons, and thousands of fur mommy "facebook friends" of violent dogs?   Who is responsible for the safety of peaceful citizens, unfortunate neighbors of  people who accept dogs with a violent history?  Will the inability of the Lexus Project to maintain control of dogs that they have "rescued" after violence impact their ability to obtain more violent dogs?

If you see this dog, please call your local police.  Possibly a responsible and adult decision will be made and the dog will be shot, taking responsibility for this animal out of the hands of breed specific advocates, "no kill" kooks,  and incompetent rescue angels.



 For the record, this blogger would support a federal law to ban the practice of transporting designated dangerous dogs across state lines for  the purpose of re-homing or "rehabilitation."


This update from the Facebook page of NWO-Underdog Rescue, look out Toledo!

BONES UPDATE PLEASE SHARE : Bones was spotted today at Sylvania and Jackman, we have been canvassing this neighborhood since. He was last seen by Pizza Hut and he is STILL WEARING HIS COLLAR WITH TAGS. If you live in this neighborhood PLEASE keep a look out and call 419-508-5730 if you see him. If you are the person who has him, please just bring him to Slyvania Vet. and you can collect the reward no questions asked.

The question was asked in a comment "is he alone or with someone?"  The one word answer was "alone."