Yes, move over LA, we have our own! His name is Edel Miedes…an animal behaviorist /animal trainer. Thru the animal rescue grapevine, I came to meet him. His love, compassion, patience and understanding for our canine friends is refreshing. In a world where everything is commercialized... it’s good to know that the dog itself is still a priority with someone.  Here’s my interview with South Florida’s dog whisperer.

Since I’m sure most of us who own dogs have questioned our sanity now and then…I diligently set up an interview…

I arrived at his home and was greeted by his girlfriend Cindy and 3 gorgeous large breed dogs (Shepard’s I believe…). Edel then came to the door and everyone proceeded to the living room area. We sat comfortably, talked a bit while sipping on a glass of vintage red wine and this interview has begun…

Q. Tell me about your early beginnings on this planet? 

A (Laughs) “Early beginnings on this planet eh? I grew up in Cuba. As a kid my Mom would rescue dogs off the street…I left Cuba when I was 6 ½ years old…May 23, 1980...still remember that date. We had to leave all our dogs behind…specially my Old English Sheepdog mix…Tonicoco.

Q. Have you always had an affinity with animals?

A. “Oh...always!” “I grew up helping dogs off the streets.” “Since my Dad would complain on and off that we had too many dogs...I started to work with them…training them so they behaved…”

Q. You are an animal behaviorist…correct?

A. “I am…if you’re a trainer and you’re not a behaviorist, then you’re not a real dog trainer.” “If you know that…then you can train any dog out there.” “You identify the dog’s behavior and the reason for its behavior” “From there you apply techniques to modify the behavior.”

Q. What is the difference between say…a trainer and a behaviorist?

A. “The specific difference to the public is that a behaviorist focuses on behavior issues while a trainer focuses on technical training.” In other words...if you’re gonna be successful you have to do both.” “You don’t actually whisper to a dog… you speak to them in a calm fashion…unless you’re Cuban!”

Q. What is the name of your company? Do you have a web site?

A. “K-9 Advisor …working on the site…but its k9advisor@yahoo.com.” Q. Tell me about one of your most interesting experiences in your field of work…

A. “I was working with a big Rotti ...he was a dominant dog…wanted to stay in control” “As I was teaching him to lay down… he bit my boot (with steel toes), clamped down on it and wouldn’t let go...he was squishing my toes.” “I had to hop about 100 feet to find someone to help me get this dog off my foot!” I did successfully train him though…”  

Q. What type of behavior issues do you handle?

A. “I handle all types of behavior issues.” “Primarily, dogs that are considered aggressive… On a 1 ½ hour lesson, I spend about 20 minutes with the dog… the rest of the time is working with the humans…” Q. Do you have pets yourself?

A. “What do you think…?” “YES!” 

Q. One of your most memorable pets?

A.  “O.K. …well… I would say Ruby, my red female Doberman.” “I was there from the moment she came out of her mother’s womb...”  “… a great family dog… passed away suddenly at 8 years… very special dog...loved to sit on the sofa and watch TV for hours with her  bud on the sofa and her feet on the ground….” 

Q. Share uour thoughts on neutering and spaying with our readers.

A.  “Oh Man…don’t get me going!” ‘We have such a pet over population problem that it makes no sense to not neuter or spay...dog or cat.” “Even responsible breeders should advocate spay and neutering to those who purchase from them.” 

Q.  Euthanasia?

A.  “Euthanasia is a word that is used as an euphemism too often…much too often.” “In our county shelters, while there’s a place for those who may be suffering, the majority of dogs and cats that are killed with euthanasia, don’t have to die.” “Euthanasia is being used as a solution for the over population problem…” 

Q.  Describe to me animal cruelty?

A.  “Animal cruelty it seems like a simple question… animal cruelty is nothing more than a sign of worst things to come from the person who commits them.”  

Q.  How about BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) and Pitt Bulls?

A.  “Yeah...right….” BSL has only proven to be ineffective because places that have BSL, such as Miami Dade County, proved that an out dated ordinance does nothing but keep law abiding citizens from owning that banned breed.” “Unfortunately, the banned breed becomes a status symbol among the law breakers in the community.” “The majority of Pitt Bulls are excellent family pets.” 

Q. Your future goals?

A.  “I would want to bring the No Kill principles to different municipal county shelters…so that more lives can be saved.” “…also build a refuge for homeless animals…”  

Q.  Any mentors?

A.  “Juan Vega from West Point Canine Academy.”  

Q.  Your message to the reader?

A.  “First of all…always remember to spay and neuter…” “To not wait ‘till their dog bites someone…give me a call…” “Look for signs of behavior issues and then be pro active that way the dog doesn’t end up in the county shelter.” 

With this…I put my pen down…finished my wine ...patted the dogs…bid my goodbye...and drove home. 

Upon my arrival…the usual greeting occurred with all my 5 dogs ...jumping and yelping…and running…Oh God…I wonder what he charges to move in!”

Dahlia Canes is an animal activist and an award winning writer who makes her home in South Florida. She  is a regular contributor to Ambiente Magazine.  Her column, Unconditionally Yours, will appear in GaySOFLA each month.  Dahlia's love for animals has led to the rescue and adopting out of hundreds of pets!  GaySOFLA Magazine is proud of the work of Dahlia Canes and is pleased to partner with her in helping save the lives of our four footed furry friends!