I am thrilled that one of our favorite dogs, Luka, is in a home where he is spoiled rotten and so well loved.

I am glad to see that Hunter is doing ok too.

I hope that you all have a wonderful holiday…and put this behind you and move on now.

I too would like to Thank You for taking time to put minds at rest regarding Hunters well being. For that, I see you get attacked and insulted. I am certain by watching the cause site for months it was at the request of the family and supporters that you were kind enough to make certain there was no truth to the allegations of Hunter being tortured and inhumanly cared for. I can only assume the other Melissa is unhappy to hear that. That speaks volumes. Would they rather hear Hunter was being treated poorly, depressed and living in less than desirable conditions. I am certain you realize by now nothing is good enough for the people running this cause. If question them you are attacked. If you investigate and find the situation not to be what they claim you are attacked. I am uncertain what they really hope to achieve at this point in keeping a cause site going, other than, for their own personal attention and a power they feel they have over others. The only valid point they may have is that Hunter under went trauma when removed from his first handler. If in fact that was the case, I wonder how they explain the second handler leaving Hunter for another position, aware that Hunter had suffered with his first transition. They choose to blame that on the department. I have found no evidence to suggest that Josefovitz was asked to leave the department or fired. He left of his own free will. I am angered that they choose to spin this very important fact in this story. Who abandoned who? Many felt this situation to be sad. But who is to blame. Certainly not Hunter. The other issue is Hunter’s illness. No where can they even explain the nature of Hunter’s disease. I am heartened to know you as well are very familiar with CDVD and Hunter has a mild murmur with no restrictions at all. I am uncertain where their fight lies at this point. Had they felt that Hunter would suffer through another transition I am at a loss as to why this officer would not remain until his dog was of retirement age and he fulfilled his commitment. I am certain they will lash out with.” there was not any commitment” and scream at those who ? this to go read their cause site. This is a nonsense argument. If officers came and went at will and demanded to take each K9 with them upon resignation, free willed resignation, I image they would have very few well trained K9’s left in the dept. Again Kerry Thank You for taking your valuable time to make certain Hunter is well. Those that care about the well being of all animals are delighted with that news. It is clear by their response to you and those that question them on their cause site, they are not. How very sad.

This needs to stop. It appears the undersherrif kenny jones is antagonizing Melissa Westfall. He has sent her personal emails as well as posted under different names on the examiner and on this blog. I am disgusted and want this to be put to rest. I understand Melissa Westfall reasons to keep a reminder of Hunter’s story on face book but his actions towards her is extremly unprofessional. Maybe this would give you a window into why my husband need to move on. I think you should be aware of the undersherriff’s actions towards her and the public. By the way, we recently adopted Luka who is adjusting to her family extremly well. We will never forget Hunter and hope to this day he is still doing well. We miss him a great deal but I am sure Jordan is making him very happy. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely,

Melissa A. Ribas (previous handler’s wife and will always be Hunter’s mom)

Kerry, keep up the good work. Some people talk the talk, but you WALK the WALK. Thanks again for all you do for animals. It’s refreshing to hear the truth from someone who really knows what they are talking about, and not say they have “contacted” others. You notice she didn’t name names or organizations. Another void, Peggy, and you can guess what part of the body, and anyplace below the neck is not an option.

What was Hunter’s Heart Disease? What was his diagnoses and prognosis?

Why did his handler leave the OCSD prior to securing the fate of Hunter’s future with his family?

K9 Officer’s are expected to make a commitment for a duration of time prior to being assigned into k9. Due to the training dog to human bond. Additionally, the cost of training both k9 and handler.

Retirement age of the average working k9- a subjective issue.

The offer of 6,900 dollars to replace Hunter with a new dog.
(The cause never once disclosed Hunter’s High Rankings in Explosive Detection, rather lead supporter to believe it was as simple for the OCSD to buy another k9)

However, with the articles written in the Examiner by Penny Eims, News Coverage and Hunter’s “Stop the Orange County Sheriff’s Department from Killing Hunter” Facebook cause. Beyond the titles of video “OCSD is torturing this Dog” yes, they used the word “torture” a very disturbing word to anyone that loves animals and or is in Animal Welfare. Hunter is going to “Die”. Repeated head-lines that lured well intentioned animal lovers to this cause with natural instincts to protect and attempt to help this dog those basic questions were never answered with any clarity in any forum prior to yours, again THANK YOU.

As I read the articles and the Facebook cause contexts fortunately for Hunter the Head-lines did not translate to his purported health issues.

I would read the volumes of comments concerning Hunter’s cause still the questions above were unanswered and void. Yet, supporters were urged to fight for Hunter. I cannot fight without knowing the facts of my cause. Was I the only one noticing the voids and unanswered questions? I did ask questions such as those above. I was “blocked” from the facebook cause.

As a animal lover that does my fair share of rescues whom like yourself, kerry and so many others that may be reading this I felt preyed upon after stepping back and questioning the lack of facts.

Anyone that understands Animal Welfare knows that we are a very tight knit group with the same values. If someone ask us to help we come. As apparent with the nearly 6000 supporters that joined “Hunters cause”. It’s very disheartening to find out that your time and thoughts were misused and most importantly your heart for a “Agenda” far beyond Hunter’s Health and Well being. The Agenda against the OCSD.

So, thank you for giving us a forum that “Debunks” the cause. I did and remain to feel a loss for Hunter’s family I think that’s a natural feeling. But, that is also why Hunter’s Plight gained so many well intentioned supporters where emotion stepped in the way of seeing or asking more questions. I know the “cause” administrators (other) understands that was the Human Factor that she was able to control people with like “puppets”. And, that is wrong. 6000 people are being lead by a person named “other”. That was a “red flag” I’d say.

As for the writer of the original Hunter stories in the Examiner, Penny Eims. And those that may be reading this now it is a “Blog” a blog a private forum. Kerry is not held by any Journalists standards of protocol. The Examiner is a News Publications with that bare responsility to reseach, interview and tell bothside of the story. The opionion of the writer is limited to her Professional expertise in a certain field in which she specializes.

Again, thank you for letting us know that Hunter is doing well.

If you are not approved for posting the posts sit in a queue and have to wait for approval to avoid spam filling the blogs. It’s been a holiday week – I;ve been VERY busy and YOU PEOPLE are NOT my top priority. Remember? We savelives? Kinda important, much more so than running over here to approve or DELETE your silly posts.

Stop your accusations. No one has been nasty to you, and I don’t appreciate your nastiness. If this continues you will be blocked AND deleted….but you are missing the point. This is NOT a debate and not UP for debate. This is MY views on what *I* saw. Period. You have more than enough posts on your Facebook and websites to substantiate your opinion. And as for me being friends with the handler. Oh goodness. Enough – you people are paranoid. I never met him before that day. Geez. Now I’m really starting to think you’re all nuts and before this I did have some respect for your opinion but your nastiness, your accusations and your paranoia are a bit over the top ,no? Now this is MY blog and I can have MY opinion and I’ll share it where I wish. If you don’t like it, then go to YOUR blog and post YOUR venom and hatred. The previous OWNER of the dog has said she is happy and satisfied. Yet you crazies are still going on and on. It’s very weird.

I think you need something more to do. You have way too much time on your hands. Hey I have a great idea! Why don’t you find a local no kill animal sanctuary and volunteer your voluminous time there by trying to help some animals?

“Kerri-
I think your story is grossly exaggerated and uneven as you stated about Hunter’s!! I am extremely upset with Pets Alive organization for not taking the time to interview the family along with other sources. Are you one of those animal activist that will only make a difference if a dog has physically signs of being abused? It appears so.
No one has looked at Hunter’s story from this view -Hunter is 7 year old not 6, has done a incredible job for the county and has underwent a great deal of separation from his handlers. Enough! He doesn’t deserve this regardless of what has happened with the handlers. By the OCSO being offered a $6900 from the second handler’s family for them to purchase a new dog for the new handler so he wouldn’t have to ever go through what the family has with Hunter is AMAZING. The OCSO would have a new dog for many years and turning it down simply shows they are being vindictive!! The OCSO is constantly calling asking for donations. The new handler, by state law, will have to go through the same amount of training as another handler would go through with a new younger dog. This doesn’t make sense about the time invested in training as you indicate in your blog. If Hunter doesn’t listen to his third handler how his those years of training going to make a difference? It clearly shows the OCSO is willing to take the possible chance of risking peoples lives assuming Hunter will transition well, and obey/listen his new third handler under ever situation. This is not about Hunter placing second in competitions. It’s about his day to day work, listening and obeying his handler to make a difference within the community. I heard most of the job entails tracking suspects which by the way how does Hunter do with this?
I have never read Hunter being abused on his face book page?? Please share these sources you came across? Also you stated you “felt so badly for this family but now I’m kind of outraged about the untruths going around, and the resultant smearing of the name of an organization that, from my eyes, is pretty incredible”. That statement entails you are blaming the family for what has taken place? From what i have seen on Hunter’s face book page both sides are presented!! There was never any information that was misleading. The report from Hunter’s cardiologist was on there. It appears they stated the facts. The wife of the second handler was concerned that based on what they have experience with hunter during the second transition, the separation from them, the new environment with the new handler and undergoing the intense academy for the third time is going to hurt Hunter.The OCSO and your blog keeps up bringing the handler is not retiring as a point to justify OCSO actions.If you were a supporter as you indicated, on Hunter’s page it states the handler was moving on to another department and the amount of years he did within the program. Channel 12 news did a follow up story indicating the mistake.
I think the public got an idea of the hostile work environment from Captain Barry’s and the Under sheriff’s comments about the handler and to the public. This was extremely unprofessional but you claim this is a pretty incredible organization. I am sure you read their comments on the examiner did you? Also on Hunter’s discussion page and the OCSO website? It’s very professional for a high ranked police officer to state Hunter is better asset to the department then the 2nd handler ever was or the new handler has a better bond then the 2nd handler did or most of all on the examiner stating they didn’t like the 2nd handler. Again, the organization is incredible right?
You seem to leave a great deal of information out of your blog? Were you aware that the second handler went through a difficult transition with Hunter because he was separated from his first handler? Are you aware that the K9 Sgt Dave Campbell turned his back on the situation when the family needed his help the most and there only alternative was to turn to Flannary Animal hospital. Did you ask Flannary Animal Hospital for their comments on the situation? I sure politics plays a role since a majority of their income is from the OCSO. It appears it got extremely bad where Hunter aggression towards his second handlers was worsening due to the separation from his first handler. It was stated the 2nd handler spent months laying on the floor while Hunter was growling so he gain his trust. This was occurring when Hunter was undergoing Patrol School not Explosives where you see him to be deliriously happy. Do you know the difference between the training programs. The patrol school Hunter will undergo after this training is when he will need to learn commands and most of all learn how to listen/obey his handler. I think this is where citizens should be concerned. Do you think Hunter will be perfectly obedient and listen to his third handler? If the second handler had a difficult time I am sure the third handler will too. Is this fair to Hunter or the community? Are you aware in patrol school if the dog is having a difficult time listing to the handler they will use the disciplinary action of helicoptering the dog .I would ask Sgt Dave Campbell to give details to you on this and if this is fair for a seven year old dog with a heart condition and who is going through his third transition with a new handler to go through this?
Your article discusses a minimum of a four year commitment. I am just curious to why the first handler wasn’t able to keep hunter after fulfilling his commitment to the organization. To me it sounds like they were once again being vindictive to their own. I can’t imagine what the first family and handler went through when hunter was taken from them. So if the second handler passed up the opportunity to better his life for his family and Hunter and remained within in the program for four years do you honestly think they would allow Hunter to retire with his second handler after not continuing within K9?
From sources around the country it appears these K9 dogs are retired between the age of 7 and 8. For some odd reason the OCSO is stating Hunter is 6, i would ask the second handler for a copy of his birth certificate? I’m sure the family has one since they have provided a copy of hunter’s cardiologist report for the public. Sgt Dave Campbell appears to not know much about his dogs, is not respected for his opinions within OCSO and it’s another way for the OCSO to justify their actions.
My last point, there must of been valid reasons why the 2nd handler left the department, the first handler didn’t renew his term, why a high percentage of police officers leaving the OCSO, and why there are several lawsuits against them? Time will tell you trust me you will be extremely embarrassed of how you stated the organization from your eyes is incredible. But again you did your research and presented a story from your eyes and the OCSO perspective. My donations will be given else where.”

Kerri, if anything that this girl said was false, please clarify instead of deleting the comment. Is there anything here that is untrue? Please let me know and I will amend or delete this comment from the group. Thanks

There was a very important comment that was made here about it, but Kerry deleted it. The person who wrote it sent it to me and it’s posted in the group if you would like to read it.

Although I’m sure Kerry will delete this comment as well, but at least we have that comment posted somewhere.

I wouldn’t have gotten this involved with this if I hadn’t contact vets, k-9 officers, etc. about this. Don’t be silly! I don’t base everything I know on the words from my friends.

There isn’t two, there is almost 6,000. Lots of information (including information from both sides) is in the group.

And Kerry took the “cupcake” thing as a compliment (see post #7), so calm down. I’m just trying to be friendly to you all!

Kerri-
I think your story is grossly exaggerated and uneven as you stated about Hunter’s!! I am extremely upset with Pets Alive organization for not taking the time to interview the family along with other sources. Are you one of those animal activist that will only make a difference if a dog has physically signs of being abused? It appears so.
No one has looked at Hunter’s story from this view -Hunter is 7 year old not 6, has done a incredible job for the county and has underwent a great deal of separation from his handlers. Enough! He doesn’t deserve this regardless of what has happened with the handlers. By the OCSO being offered a $6900 from the second handler’s family for them to purchase a new dog for the new handler so he wouldn’t have to ever go through what the family has with Hunter is AMAZING. The OCSO would have a new dog for many years and turning it down simply shows they are being vindictive!! The OCSO is constantly calling asking for donations. The new handler, by state law, will have to go through the same amount of training as another handler would go through with a new younger dog. This doesn’t make sense about the time invested in training as you indicate in your blog. If Hunter doesn’t listen to his third handler how his those years of training going to make a difference? It clearly shows the OCSO is willing to take the possible chance of risking peoples lives assuming Hunter will transition well, and obey/listen his new third handler under ever situation. This is not about Hunter placing second in competitions. It’s about his day to day work, listening and obeying his handler to make a difference within the community. I heard most of the job entails tracking suspects which by the way how does Hunter do with this?
I have never read Hunter being abused on his face book page?? Please share these sources you came across? Also you stated you “felt so badly for this family but now I’m kind of outraged about the untruths going around, and the resultant smearing of the name of an organization that, from my eyes, is pretty incredible”. That statement entails you are blaming the family for what has taken place? From what i have seen on Hunter’s face book page both sides are presented!! There was never any information that was misleading. The report from Hunter’s cardiologist was on there. It appears they stated the facts. The wife of the second handler was concerned that based on what they have experience with hunter during the second transition, the separation from them, the new environment with the new handler and undergoing the intense academy for the third time is going to hurt Hunter.The OCSO and your blog keeps up bringing the handler is not retiring as a point to justify OCSO actions.If you were a supporter as you indicated, on Hunter’s page it states the handler was moving on to another department and the amount of years he did within the program. Channel 12 news did a follow up story indicating the mistake.
I think the public got an idea of the hostile work environment from Captain Barry’s and the Under sheriff’s comments about the handler and to the public. This was extremely unprofessional but you claim this is a pretty incredible organization. I am sure you read their comments on the examiner did you? Also on Hunter’s discussion page and the OCSO website? It’s very professional for a high ranked police officer to state Hunter is better asset to the department then the 2nd handler ever was or the new handler has a better bond then the 2nd handler did or most of all on the examiner stating they didn’t like the 2nd handler. Again, the organization is incredible right?
You seem to leave a great deal of information out of your blog? Were you aware that the second handler went through a difficult transition with Hunter because he was separated from his first handler? Are you aware that the K9 Sgt Dave Campbell turned his back on the situation when the family needed his help the most and there only alternative was to turn to Flannary Animal hospital. Did you ask Flannary Animal Hospital for their comments on the situation? I sure politics plays a role since a majority of their income is from the OCSO. It appears it got extremely bad where Hunter aggression towards his second handlers was worsening due to the separation from his first handler. It was stated the 2nd handler spent months laying on the floor while Hunter was growling so he gain his trust. This was occurring when Hunter was undergoing Patrol School not Explosives where you see him to be deliriously happy. Do you know the difference between the training programs. The patrol school Hunter will undergo after this training is when he will need to learn commands and most of all learn how to listen/obey his handler. I think this is where citizens should be concerned. Do you think Hunter will be perfectly obedient and listen to his third handler? If the second handler had a difficult time I am sure the third handler will too. Is this fair to Hunter or the community? Are you aware in patrol school if the dog is having a difficult time listing to the handler they will use the disciplinary action of helicoptering the dog .I would ask Sgt Dave Campbell to give details to you on this and if this is fair for a seven year old dog with a heart condition and who is going through his third transition with a new handler to go through this?
Your article discusses a minimum of a four year commitment. I am just curious to why the first handler wasn’t able to keep hunter after fulfilling his commitment to the organization. To me it sounds like they were once again being vindictive to their own. I can’t imagine what the first family and handler went through when hunter was taken from them. So if the second handler passed up the opportunity to better his life for his family and Hunter and remained within in the program for four years do you honestly think they would allow Hunter to retire with his second handler after not continuing within K9?
From sources around the country it appears these K9 dogs are retired between the age of 7 and 8. For some odd reason the OCSO is stating Hunter is 6, i would ask the second handler for a copy of his birth certificate? I’m sure the family has one since they have provided a copy of hunter’s cardiologist report for the public. Sgt Dave Campbell appears to not know much about his dogs, is not respected for his opinions within OCSO and it’s another way for the OCSO to justify their actions.
My last point, there must of been valid reasons why the 2nd handler left the department, the first handler didn’t renew his term, why a high percentage of police officers leaving the OCSO, and why there are several lawsuits against them? Time will tell you trust me you will be extremely embarrassed of how you stated the organization from your eyes is incredible. But again you did your research and presented a story from your eyes and the OCSO perspective. My donations will be given else where.