I have been involved in this case from day one with volunteering in the TES searches and then the Crisis Response dog Gunny. I told Marie who Gunny is and never told her that Gunny is a SAR dog but has the ability to find scent articles so I offered his assistance.
I have trained dogs for over 30 years in obedience trials which the highest title is UD which are scent articles. I have volunteered in therapy dog work for that lengh of time also and have my own organization which is known nationwide.
http://therapydog.tripod.com
In my 20's, I trained German Shepherds in Schutzund in track and obedience in USA Shutzhund for over 3 years.
I could train Gunnery for SAR work but my schedule does not allow it since I work 6 days a week. Gunnery is a Newfoundland and they excel in rescue work and many have been trained for SAR work up north. I also do not wish to place Gunny in the dangers of thick woods and brush in Florida because of the dangers.
Gunny air scents and freezes when he scents something and I thought that he might be an asset that day. I offered to volunteer on the family searches and to bring him along.
The search was planted and we are trying to find out by whom.
Gunny is a phenominal Crisis Response Newfoundland and many will open up to him.
He also will tell me when something is wrong; he has that incanny ability which is godsend. I can not go into further detail with anyone but Gunny also leads.
You can bash me all you want but don't bash Gunny.