Spot was surrendered to Fort Benning Animal Control and to the care of Tri County Animal Rescue Center on November 7, 2015.  

I first saw him through the kennels, clearly shaken, tail tucked, body low to the ground with his owner in the parking lot. I walked out of the shelter to meet the gentlemen with his animal to advise him to move to the right of the parking lot, out of the visibility of the other animals to take a moment to give the dog some time to regain composure.  I directed a volunteer to begin setting up a cage and to prepare the surrender form for the owner to fill out.  I stayed present, 10-15 minutes later, the dog was still crouched low, tail tucked. I directed the owner to follow me through the shelter with is dog to his prepared run.  The dog was no longer able to walk himself, crouched on the ground as soon as he stepped near the sidewalk leading to the door. At this point it was necessary to pick him up.  Owner picked him up, followed me with his dog in his hands to the run.  I entered the run behind him and the dog. I lowered my body to make myself appear smaller and not threatening to the animal. I instructed the owner to remove his leash.  The dog was visibly shaken.  Owner attempted to pat the dog on the head at which point the dog urinated himself. Shortly thereafter the dog defecated himself.  The dog was in shock, I instructed the owner to walk away. 

For three days no one was able to interact with him. Feeding was done quickly through the door, cleaning was done through the fencing to avoid any confrontation. His kennel area was chained off to keep a comfortable distance between him and clients, visitors, and onlookers.  I began gaining his trust by using the other animals to show him positive interaction.  I treated the shelter dogs frequently, always saving Spot for last.  He took my treats.  He later allowed me to enter his run.  No touching, no eye contact, just presence. While in the cage I ignored him and had conversation with our volunteer.  I use my hands while I speak and it became evident that when I moved my hands Spot would cower. We also discovered loud voices caused panic and anxiety.  

Once Spot became comfortable with me I introduced him to the leash.  I was able to place the leash around his neck and walk him out of the shelter.  Safe distance between myself and Spot, and others was 5+ft. Any closer and the tail became tucked, body tension rose, anxiety presented itself.  When he became uncomfortable he jumped to cling onto me or hid behind me. 

I introduced toys during our time together to discover that he would cower from them as well.  In order to keep our interactions positive I did not press him further with any objects. 

I also discovered that the Catahula in the run across from Spot would attempt to defend him when his anxiety level rose while people where near.  I moved Spot into a different run for two days to see his interactions with different dogs. A Lhasa Apso mix seemed to have befriended him. Both would lay in their separate runs facing each other quietly. No barking, no hostility. 

Spot was evaluated by a number of outside sources.  Those sources include veterinarians, dog handlers, and dog trainers. Those sources have made their statements and have submitted them to the proper authorities. Since I am a certified dog trainer and I am the only one who can physically handle this dog without causing more anxiety and panic I will give the facts as I see them.  All other official statements will be made public in the event this goes to court. 

1.Photo with the owner is an old picture. She was not present at the shelter during the surrender, hence the zoomed shot to bleep the background out. No one took the dog from her hands, husband carried him into the shelter and into the run. 
2. JAG is available FREE of charge to military families. Why chose lawyers that charge and open a gofundme page when legal services are provided to them free of charge.
3. Behavior problems were cited by multiple sources, including the family themselves. Owner stated on a public newsfeed that her veterinarian had already informed her of her dogs behavior problems. Owner also stated on a public newsfeed that the reason for surrender was that the dog jumped on his two months old baby. Change of duty station was not cited as a reason. 
4. Dog fears toys.
5. Dog fears raised hands.
6. Dogs comfort distance threshold is 4-5 ft.
7. Dog is unvaccinated, untrained, clearly UNALTERED (records provided the following Monday say he is a neutered male)  
8. Heartworm status unknown. No proof of heartworm preventative. 
9. Was denied admittance by multiple rescues, behavior issues.
10. Dog is not socialized, suffers from severe fear and anxiety, especially men, and men in uniform.
11. Dog cowered, urinated and defecated as the owner attempted to pat him on the head upon leaving.
12. Dog trusts other dogs over people.
13. Dog lacks impulse control.   14. Owners currently have a female blue Pitbull Terrier which at the time was also unvaccinated and not registered according to Fort Benning Pet Policies.  15. Neither animals are registered on post or with housing. Breed ban is in effect banning all Pitbull, Pitbull mixes, Chows, Dobermans, and Rottweilers from the housing area (per housing regulations).

I don't believe in making petitions because so much nonsense gets posted on so many of them, but in light of the situation and my word as a trainer, rescuer, public animal advocate, volunteer, and retired Army spouse, my judgment has come into question. I find it inhumane that the family wants to continue Spots suffering under their care when clearly something horrific had occurred on their watch immediately prior to his arrival and months before. It is in the best interests of Spot to cut any and all ties to this family and be rehabilitated and placed with new owners that have the understanding and experience to handle this breed.  In the best interests of the families current Pitbull Terrier, I encourage them to immediately seek out education, training, and guidance in order to avoid any future irreversible damages to themselves, their children, their Pitbull, and any member in their community.  Placing a dog into a backyard and providing food is not a solution and is not responsible pet ownership. 

Regarding my family, I am an Army brat, daughter of a Decorated Army Veteran of 27 years and spouse of a Decorated Army Veteran of 23 years.  It is an honor and privilege to stand for the animals from this military community and have devoted countless hours training, rehabilitating, photographing, cleaning, networking, and making connections to make sure that all animals that cross our path have the best chance at finding a home.  My heart sits in the Fort Benning shelter and I will continue to stand up for what I believe is right by Spot. I didn't come this far, and work so hard to falter in my convictions. The lies and false accusations that this young family of only 2 years in the military is making against us have caused so much wasted time, so many lost adoptions, so many heartaches.  It is now time to root for this dog recovery from a very dire situation. 

There is nothing to hide...for questions your welcome to message me on Facebook on my profile. I am an open book and will see this through to the end.  #SPOTdeservesBETTER