An Even Better Option: Trainer's Standing Offer to Work With Brindi and Owner

As we have said, we fail to comprehend the logic that Ottenbrite and co. offer, which says "Brindi is a good dog..." but should be re-homed. Really? We can't imagine that the judge will order Brindi destroyed after seeing the evidence, which is plentiful. (At the same time, it's not a foregone conclusion.)

Sadly, it seems the Chronicle-Herald is printing article after article about the Ottenbrite plan without much scrutiny. Shouldn't they ask Ottenbrite, if Brindi should not have been seized in ther first place, what is the issue? If her owner is responsible for dog's bad behavior, isn't she also responsible for Brindi's good behavior - after all, she did pass your course, didn't she? And you did tell her that you would support her, didn't you?

The good news is that an even better option is already on the table: a very good Halifax trainer came forward nearly one year ago to say that Brindi is not a dangerous dog and was bold enough to offer to train Brindi and work with Francesca free of charge. He made his generous offer directly to HRM and still stands by it. Had the city been receptive to this very good option last April, Brindi could have been home for the past 11 months.

Mr. Joshua J. Judah, Municipal Solicitor

HRM Legal Services

P. O. Box 1749

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3J 3A5

April 16, 2009

Dear Mr. Judah:

            Today I am writing with a plea for restoration for a dog named Brindi. My name is Ted Efthymiadis, I am a professional dog trainer located in Halifax Nova Scotia. I studied professional obedience & behavior with Tarheel K9 (www.tarheelcanine.com), which is located in Sanford North Carolina. Tarheel K9 specializes in teaching dog trainers the skills to train dog obedience, dog behavior, drug detection, search and rescue, dog behavior modification, police protection among others. My dog training days go back four years, I starting specializing in dog obedience. My love for dogs soon evolved to training protection, behavior modification and drug detection. I now specialize in training with dominant and aggressive dogs. The (CAPPDT), Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers has certified me as a professional in good standing.

            Many months ago, I heard of Brindi's case in the newspaper. In all honestly, I was shocked that this dog had not been release within a month of being detained. From what I have heard and read of Brindi, I am absolutely confident this dog is able to be rehabilitated within 3 months or less, ultimately I believe this dog is capable of being a good member in her community. I have personally worked with dogs much more aggressive than Brindi, with great success. My business generally caters to larger aggressive dogs like Boxers, Cane Corsos, German Shepherds and Pit Bull's. On a scale of 1/10, Brindi's case at most would be a 5/10.

            I have had personal contact with Brindi's owner at length and I am confident in her willingness to change the way she handles her dog. She seems very interested in learning how to properly deal with her dog and trusts my professional opinion in dealing with dogs of all shapes and sizes. Because I believe so dearly that this dog should not be held any longer, I support her return to her owner, and am willing to offer, and monitor to the fullest extent of my ability, a full rehabilitation program for this dog and owner free of charge.

Best Regards,

Ted Efthymiadis

Quality K9, Halifax

Hopefully, the judge will see this option as the best of all.