We sent our 4 year old Rottweiler for obedience training on Tuesday. By Friday morning he was found dead in his outside kennel during this extreme heat. He was an inside dog and I don’t know what happened I will never know. But I sent them a healthy happy dog and picked up a dead dog after 3 days. They took a piece of my heart and I would never recommend them to anyone.
Business response
First and foremost, I want to express my sincere condolences to the owner for the loss of their beloved dog. As someone who has served as a K9 handler for nearly two decades, I understand deeply the pain of losing a partner, a friend, and a family member. I’ve experienced that loss myself multiple times, and it never gets easier.<br><br>That said, I feel it’s important to share the facts regarding this unfortunate situation to provide clarity, especially before judgments are made or conclusions drawn about me or my business.<br><br>The client brought in two Rottweilers for training—one for aggression due to ongoing fights with the other dog, the one who tragically passed away. Upon arrival, the aggressive dog was in excellent shape, while the other was noticeably overweight despite being only 4–5 years old. The owner admitted the dog rarely went outside other than to relieve himself. <br><br>All kennels at K-9 Evolution are located in a carport-like environment that remains completely shaded throughout the day. Each dog has constant access to clean, cool drinking water 24/7, and we use fans to maintain air circulation. The kennel area consistently stays 10–15 degrees cooler than being directly outdoors, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for every dog in our care.<br><br>The dog in question was dropped off on a Tuesday morning. I trained with him on Tuesday, Wednesday, and again Thursday morning. On Thursday afternoon, during feeding time, he did not eat. We left his food in hopes he would eat later, but by bedtime, the food was still untouched.<br><br>When we arrived Friday morning at 8:00 a.m., we checked on all the dogs as we always do. That’s when we discovered the tragic passing of the dog. I immediately contacted the owner and explained the situation. The owner later arrived and picked up both dogs—the surviving dog was in good health and condition.<br><br>I want to be clear: this situation has deeply affected me, and I would never wish it on anyone. However, I believe it’s only fair to address some of the misconceptions being shared publicly. Every client signs a contract that includes a clause stating K9 Evolution and its trainers are not liable for any illness, injury, or loss involving their dog while in our care. This is not an attempt to deflect responsibility but a standard agreement acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances can occur.<br><br>The truth is, sometimes we don’t have all the answers. We may never know exactly why or how this happened. But I can assure you, my commitment to the care and safety of every dog that comes through my doors is unwavering. I pride myself on providing the highest standard of care, and those who truly know me and my work know that to be true.<br><br>I understand grief and the search for someone to blame. But I hope this message sheds light on the facts and gives people a more complete understanding of what occurred. I remain deeply saddened by the loss and will continue to honor the trust that others place in me and my business every day.<br><br>Thank you for taking the time to hear my side of the story.<br><br>Sincerely,<br>AJ Arredondo<br>K9 Evolution<br>Owner/trainer
