I thought I was done with the Bones story, I was wrong

I was sure that I was done with the freak show that is the Bones affair but I was so wrong.  The insanity marches on.

Lets start with the Fourth Amendment  ""The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
This quote comes from Laws.com "The Fourth Amendment specifically requires a law enforcement agency to possess judicially sanctioned search and arrest warrants, which are supported by probable clause, to be administered before a person’s property can be inspected."

This quote comes from PINow.com  describing what a Private Investigator cannot legally do.
Trespass.  Private investigators cannot enter a property, house, or building through illegal means, including breaking and entering.  Though trespassing laws very from state to state, in some jurisdictions the investigator must have permission from the owner before entering a property.

The searches of the property formerly known as the North West Ohio Underdog Rescue were not headed by law enforcement with a valid court order.  The searches were not headed by a Private Investigator with permission by the owner, in this case Kat Sutter. Neither of these professions had the right to trespass on private property to search for evidence of a crime without a valid court order.  Why would the Lexus Project authorize trespass and search of private property by ordinary citizens and expect that any evidence found would be admissible in court proceedings against Kat Sutter?   The Lexus Project is made up of lawyers, why might they feel that they are above the law?   As disgusting as Sutter may be, she has legal rights.

Now that the illegal search of Sutter's property is complete the Lexus Project wants the public to fund the analysis of the illegally obtained remains of dogs that they did not own taken from property where they had no legal right to search.  The Lexus Project has set up a chip-in page for just this purpose.

The Lexus Project has continued to post details on their public Facebook page. Details of exactly how the Lexus Project intends to proceed indicates that the public is expected to foot the bill for legal action as well as necropsy costs.  In  a comment on the necropsy chip-in post a question is asked about setting up another chip-in to pay for a lawyer to "put (Sutter) away for a long time and ban her from ever having animals again." The response from the Lexus Project?  Business as usual.

The Lexus Project, Legal Defense for Dogs Right now the humane society is doing an investigation. If we need an attorney, we have one pro bono on stand by and would only need to collect for court fees as we do our usual cases.

In comments following a discussion of the death of another dog in the possession of North West Ohio Underdog Rescue The Lexus Project had this to say. "This is not about who sent her where, this is not about we save dogs that bite or are deemed dangerous and people don't like it, this is not about TLP stance on greyhound racing in the USA, this is about 2 dogs reported missing by the very person who vowed to care for them, only to be found mutilated in shallow graves in her backyard. 

People, get your priorities straight. - MK

There you have it.  The Lexus Project is well aware that their actions are not supported by the public.  "This is not about we save dogs that bite or are deemed dangerous and people don't like it."

Nope, the public sure doesn't like it and the public would like Lexus Project to "get their priorities straight." The goals of the Lexus Project are clearly out of touch with the priorities and safety of the public.

Update 10/3/2013  Please click here.  Per Northwest Ohio.com "Greg Willoughby of the Toledo Area Humane Society says his agency is investigating Ms. Sutter.  Willoughby is concerned that the Lexus Project's actions Wednesday night at Ms. Sutter's Luann Avenue home may hamper the investigation.  "It may make our case more difficult because we weren't there to witness it, our veterinarians didn't see the animals and our officers weren't part of it,"

Update 10/8/2013

This is what we may expect to see from any attempt to prosecute Kat Sutter using evidence removed from her property by volunteers sent by the Lexus Project without a court order. Let me set this up so you can follow the story.  Lee Coleman Krisle will go free after a judge ordered that key evidence must be suppressed.  Krisle was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty.

Per the Tennessean " The animal cruelty case against Robertson County businessman Lee Coleman Krisle has been dismissed after a judge ordered that most of the key evidence in the case be suppressed."
“I felt we did not have enough evidence to take what was left of the case to a jury,” said Robertson County Assistant District Attorney Dent Morriss. “So, I reluctantly dismissed it. At least we were able to get the animals that were there out of the situation they were in.”" Krisle, 55, was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty in February. His original indictment, handed down by the Robertson County Grand Jury, claims that he failed to provide needed food and water, along with proper shelter and care for eight animals – seven horses and one mule. Documents also describe the mule as having an injured leg with wire wrapped around it."


This is one of Mr. Krisle's horses.


This is another one of Mr. Krisle's horses.  The mule was euthanized at the time the horses were picked up.

"At an August court hearing, Robertson County Judge Michael R. Jones ordered that evidence collected during a search of Krisle's property could not be used in trial because the search warrant was not valid, according to court documents.

The warrant was thrown out because an employee of the Humane Society of the United States signed it, but the employee was not authorized to do so, according to Krisle.  The rules of criminal procedure require that search warrant applications be made by law enforcement officers."

10/9/2013 update.  No charges will be filled against Kat Sutter.  Per the Dayton Daily News the executive director of the Toledo Area Humane Society  stated there is "insufficient evidence" to press charges.

Bones, the end of the story

The Bones saga has come to a not unexpected end.  The remains of Bones were unearthed from the property formerly known as North West Ohio Underdog Rescue, run by self proclaimed dangerous dog expert Kat Sutter.  For the Toledo Blade coverage of the recovery of Bones remains please click here.

For the the original blog on the disappearance of Bones click here.  Fore more information on the Bones disaster please click here.   And for still more click here, and here, and here, and here, and here, and finally here.

The Lexus Project has posted their thoughts on the death of Bones.  This statement appeared on their public Facebook page on 9/29/2013.

Bones is dead. We exhumed his body. Please read.

Bones is dead, he was sick, he was never brought to the vet and was starved to death by Kat before Christmas 2012. She made him suffer. She buried him next to her garage, then concocted the story that he was stolen January 5, 2013 hoping to use her father's funeral to divert attention from her crimes. She had people call day, night and the middle of the night giving false sightings knowing that Bones that been dead weeks already.

Though the many inconsistencies in Kat's story made us sure she was lying, it was not until this week that we got a break, in the form of an email that led us to obtain the remains of Bones. Today, Bones body was exhumed from Kats backyard. We believe there are other bodies back there, but we are sure she will be busy in the next few days trying to cover her tracks by exhuming the others. The exhumation of Bones body was done with the press there, the whole process was captured. Necropsy this evening confirmed it was Bones. Cause of death will be determined as well.

We were also informed that Sasha, the malamute was shot in the head. There was a dispute about her training and $500.00 so Kat had the dog offed. Sasha is also buried in her backyard as well as a dog named Bear. Our sources tell us that the backyard smells like death.

Bones loved and trusted Kat. She betrayed his trust and watched him die right in front of her eyes.

Justice will be served, but we need all your help.

We truly believed we were doing the right thing sending bones to Kat. We had 2 outside references and nothing was on the internet to dispute the references. We got pictures and happy texts with positive updates from Kat up until September of 2012. It was only after Bones went missing that everyone seemed to know what a monster he went to. Everyone except those 2 references. I pray they open their eyes now.

Please Call the Toledo Ohio police department.

419-245-3340

Tell them how you feel about Ms. Katherine Sutter and the killing fields at 4905 Luann Drive, Toledo Ohio


Call animal warden. Julie Lyle @ 419-213-2800 about the dogs that are still buried at the house.

Animal control in Woods County where she now lives.

Chief Warden, Andrew Snyder 419-354-9367

Deputy warden, Rodney Cook 419-354-9093

Deputy warden, Nora Davis, 419-354-9239

Deputy warden, Justin Gallagher, 419-373-4947


And call the humane society because Kat has dogs NOW. And we are VERY, VERY concerned about these dogs. 419-891-9777

Special thanks to JIm Sielicki from the Toledo Blade who stayed with this story from when Bones supposedly went missing in January until now.

The Lexus Project

Forever Rest In Peace

On 9/29/2013 this statement was added "We didn't think it was necessary to announce who referred TLP to Kat, but apparently others disagree. One of the groups that referred her was "URGENT Ohio". They do advocate for dogs and they made a BIG mistake so please don't take way from what they do do. I'm sure they feel just as bad as we do, possibly worse since we are not an adoption or placement group and Bones was one of our very first non greyhound cases, we were led to believe that this was THE only place for Bones to go. As long as they learned from their mistake and sees now what a deadly mistake it was, there's no reason to undermine the good they do."

It will be interesting to see if a cause of death can be determined, starvation seems unlikely but certainly possible, however it stands to reason that there would be a substantial difference in weight between a living dog and a skeleton exhumed nine months later.  The weight difference as the result of decomposition seems worth consideration.

 The Lexus post discusses the two other dogs that Sutter claimed went missing from her operation.  Lexus states that Sasha was shot in the head and buried in the yard and that Bear was buried in the yard as well.  The Toledo Blade does not report these facts, only suspicions of these charges.

Apparently the Blade had a reporter and photographer on site when Bones skeleton was found but the article states that police were called only after the remains were found.  Police refused to view the yard or the remains, this was an illegal search. What authority did the Lexus Project volunteers and the Toledo Blade's photographer and reporter have to be on the property?   Would any evidence obtained by illegal search be of any use?  I don't think so.

Take a look at the slide show provided by the Blade.  What responsible legal organization would send a designated dangerous dog to this tiny home on a street of small yards without fences, to live in a garage with fifteen other designated dangerous dogs?  Lexus Project did. It must be kept in mind that the Lexus Project has initiated an effort similar to the one used to "save" Bones.  This time they want to save Onion, a dog that killed the grandchild of the owner.  If they "save" Onion will they use more care in selecting a long term dangerous dog facility than they did when they chose the North West Ohio Underdog Rescue?

Did the Lexus Project "save" Bones?  Even if Sutter had been the lion tamer that the Lexus Project thought she was, is living out the rest of the dog's life in a little garage behind a tiny home in Toledo Ohio really living? Would this "life" be significantly better than humane euthanization in New York?  Will this mess be repeated with Onion?


What about Onion?  What has been the quality of his life since the death of Jeremiah Eskew-Shanahan who was attacked and killed by this dog at the toddler's first birthday party in the spring of 2012?


This is Onion, this is how he has "lived" for the last year and a half.  Is this "living"?  The Lexus Project is responsible for this.

The Lexus Project works hard to rescue Greyhounds and this is a commendable effort, I respect this greatly. I can't respect the meddling in vicious dog dispositions.  This should be a local matter, decided by those close to the investigations and having a stake in the community, without the bullying by out of state animal rights lawyers.  The interstate transport of violent dogs should be regulated by federal law.  

For video of the former site of North West Ohio Underdog Rescue and the current location of this "rescue" please click here.  Note that the Lexus Project is now trying to get a court order to dig at the Luann Ave. location.  A bit late.  It should also be noted that the Lexus Project no longer owns Bones, he was signed over to a local bully rescue group in April.

Update 10/1/2013  The New York Times quotes veterinarian Stephen Graber as stating  “I can’t positively say he was starved, but I would bet he was in an extreme state of malnutrition.”  Malnutrition is inferred from skeletal measurements, the malnourished do not grow to expected size.  This was a massive adult dog and there is no proof of, or reason to believe that the dog was sick or starved. This is not the cause of death that the Lexus Project hoped for.

Per the Times article, Robin Mittasch of the Lexus Project organized the dig at the Luann Ave. property although the Lexus Project no longer owned the dog and had no legal authority to be on that property.  Did she think to run this idea past her husband, Rich Rosenthal the attorney?  Can you imagine the breakfast table conversation?  "Rich, I'm thinking about organizing some of our volunteers to trespass and dig up a property in Toledo Ohio.  An illegal search for the remains of a dog we don't own.  What do you think?"    

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

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 

                    

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

                                                                                                                                                                                  

  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,
  
  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
  
  

  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