Trained to Kill: The Dog Trainer, the Heiress, and the Bodyguard
Episode: Puppy Love
Host/Author: CBS News (48 Hours Correspondent Peter Van Sant)
Release Date: April 9, 2025
Introduction to Anacortes and Mark Stover
Puppy Love opens by immersing listeners in the serene yet picturesque setting of Anacortes, Washington—an island community renowned for its natural beauty and proximity to the San Juan Islands. Peter Van Sant reflects on his personal connection to the area:
"Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juan Islands, where ferry boats depart to these wooded jewels. I go hiking, swimming and fishing for Dungeness crabs and have always considered the small harbor towns here my gateway into tranquility and peace."
[07:35]
At the heart of this community was Mark Stover, a charismatic and highly skilled dog trainer dubbed the "dog whisperer of the Pacific Northwest." Mark's reputation attracted a wealthy clientele, including celebrities and business moguls like Eddie Vedder, Howard Schultz, and Ichiro Suzuki.
Mark Stover's Early Life and Rise as a Canine Guru
Mark's journey to becoming a renowned dog trainer was shaped by a tumultuous childhood marked by multiple family tragedies and instability. His sister, Victoria Simmons, provides insight into their early life:
"We went through our family went through a series of losses early in our childhood. Just seemed to be one after another."
[10:32]
At a young age, Mark bonded with a German Shepherd puppy named Gunter, a gift from family friends after a series of familial deaths. This bond was pivotal, leading him to join the Washington State Search and Rescue Canine Unit and ultimately forging his path in dog training.
Mark's innovative approach to dog training was heavily influenced by B.F. Skinner's behavioral psychology. He meticulously applied principles of reward and punishment to condition dog behavior, setting him apart as an innovator in the field.
"He's told me that he was the first person to ever apply human psychology to dogs and to understanding the pack and how the pack works."
[13:17]
Meeting Linda Opdyke: The Beginning of an Ambitious Partnership
In the early 1990s, Mark's professional life took a significant turn when he met Linda Opdyke, the heiress to Washington State businessman Wally Opdyke's fortune. Their initial interaction was strictly professional, as Linda sought Mark's expertise to train her dog.
"I was looking to do some training with my dog and found him in the phone book."
[15:24]
"I saw he definitely did have a connection with dogs and I felt that he would be able to help us."
[16:03]
Despite a rocky start—Linda initially perceived Mark as arrogant and abrasive—mutual interests in nature, camping, and outdoor activities laid the foundation for their relationship both personally and professionally.
Building Island Dog Adventures: A Flourishing Business and Marriage
In 1992, Mark and Linda co-founded Island Dog Adventures on Kickit Island, leveraging Linda's entrepreneurial spirit and Mark's canine expertise. The business thrived, transforming into a million-dollar operation that catered to a high-end clientele. Their partnership extended into marriage in 2002, uniting their personal and professional lives.
"In 2002, Mark and Linda were married in a small wedding at the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas."
[24:30]
"They look like a happy couple here."
[25:15]
However, the demanding nature of their business—working seven days a week with 15-hour days—strained their relationship, leaving little room for personal connection.
Signs of Trouble: Mark's Dark Side Emerges
As their business grew, so did Mark's obsession with control and finances. Linda recounts instances where Mark's reaction to minor expenditures, like purchasing an avocado, was disproportionate and aggressive.
"He would be in a rage that I spent too much money and it was an inappropriate expenditure on things."
[21:53]
Additionally, Mark's aggressive demeanor extended beyond financial control. He became known for threatening locals and using his trained dogs, such as Ding, to intimidate trespassers.
"He was very unstable, and with that and his agitated state, and he had real highs and lows and rages that he dealt with."
[26:48]
These behavioral changes heightened Linda's concerns for her personal safety and the sustainability of their marriage.
The Breakup: Linda Attempts to Leave
After nearly 14 years together, including three years of marriage, Linda decided to end the relationship, recognizing her unhappiness and Mark's inability to provide a loving, personal partnership.
"I recognized that I was so unhappy, and I knew that I needed to leave the marriage and I got a separation."
[27:18]
Upon leaving their home on Kickit Island, Linda sought to start anew. However, Mark's obsessive nature manifested as stalking behavior, wherein he monitored her phone conversations, intruded into her new residence, and invaded her privacy by reading her diaries.
"He told me that he was listening to phone conversations and that he had been in my house and read my diaries and just, it was, it was horrifying."
[27:45]
Escalation: The Mysterious Disappearance of Mark Stover
The episode takes a dark turn with the mysterious events surrounding Mark's disappearance. In 2009, just days before Halloween, Stephanie Poor, Mark's neighbor and employee, notices unusual signs at Mark's home: bloodstains, bleach, and the presence of Ding, Mark's guard dog, acting erratically.
"I saw tire marks from the car and some spots of blood on the gravel. Stephanie assumed that the blood belonged to Ding, Mark's guard dog."
[03:11]
Stephanie's subsequent investigation reveals a troubling scene inside Mark's house, with locked doors and suspicious bloodstains. Despite reaching out, Mark fails to respond, triggering fears of foul play.
The next morning, Ding is found in a distressed state, prompting Stephanie to contact emergency services. Concurrently, Linda, fearing for her safety due to Mark's obsessive behavior, also involves the authorities.
"Mark's new girlfriend had also called the police after not hearing from him."
[04:49]
Detectives are drawn into a complex case riddled with ambiguity, where obsession blurs the lines between hunter and hunted.
"But who was the hunter and who was the hunted?"
[06:06]
Unraveling the Mystery: Investigations and Theories
Detectives face a convoluted investigation with multiple facets:
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The Crime Scene: The presence of blood and bleach suggests a violent confrontation. Initially, Stephanie speculates the blood might be from Ding's surgical wounds:
"I could smell the bleach before I even opened the door."
[03:36]However, this theory is quickly dismissed as more evidence points to murder.
"It was a cold blooded murder."
[05:32] -
Linda's Involvement: Linda's estrangement from Mark and her subsequent actions add layers to the mystery. Her fear of Mark suggests a motive if she were involved, but evidence leans towards Mark's potential for violence.
"I have a safe room in there. I have a plan A, a plan B, a plan C. I think Mark."
[28:47] -
Mark's Disappearance: The sudden vanishing of Mark amidst the chaotic scene leads to various theories, including foul play by an external party or Mark orchestrating his own disappearance.
Detectives navigate through a labyrinth of personal vendettas, obsession, and possible motives, making this case one of the most intricate in their careers.
"They were about to step into a hall of mirrors where nothing was as it seemed."
[05:36]
Character Insights and Key Quotes
Throughout the episode, key individuals provide critical insights:
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Stephanie Poor: Mark's neighbor and employee who discovers the initial signs of trouble. Her observations and actions are pivotal in escalating the investigation.
"I just thought he was so incredibly interesting."
[09:22]"I have a safe room in there. I have a plan A, a plan B, a plan C. I think Mark."
[28:47] -
Linda Opdyke: The heiress whose relationship with Mark forms the crux of the narrative. Her perspective highlights Mark's unsettling behavior and the deterioration of their marriage.
"I recognized that I was so unhappy, and I knew that I needed to leave the marriage and I got a separation."
[27:18]"He showed an arrogance where he wanted to isolate Linda. All bad signs, and so it was noticed by me right away."
[19:23] -
Victoria Simmons: Mark's sister, who offers background on Mark's early life and personality, shedding light on his complex character.
"I believe he came to love all dogs and no pedigree or fabulous pedigree. It didn't matter to him."
[07:57] -
Sheriff's Deputies: Their characterization of the scene reinforces the gravity of the situation.
"It was a cold blooded murder."
[05:32]
Conclusion: The Hunter vs. The Hunted
Puppy Love sets the stage for a gripping six-episode exploration into a dark love triangle where professional success masks personal turmoil. The intricate dynamics between Mark, Linda, and their entourages raise questions about obsession, control, and the lengths one might go to protect or reclaim love.
As Detective Van Sant narrates:
"But who was the hunter and who was the hunted?"
[06:06]
This central mystery propels listeners into a deep dive of psychological suspense, leaving them eager for subsequent episodes to unravel the true nature of Mark Stover’s disappearance and the dark secrets that bind these intertwined lives.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Stephanie Poor:
"I could smell the bleach before I even opened the door."
[03:36]"I saw him becoming more aggressive with people, for example, on the property that were trespassing, pulling guns on people and threatening them."
[26:24] -
Linda Opdyke:
"He told me that he was listening to phone conversations and that he had been in my house and read my diaries and just, it was, it was horrifying."
[27:45]"Things were fine for about four months after the marriage, and then it really started going south."
[25:43] -
Victoria Simmons:
"I remember Mark rejecting what he could not control."
[13:29]
Final Thoughts
Puppy Love masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative intrigue, presenting a multifaceted story of love, ambition, and darkness. With its rich storytelling and compelling quotes, the episode provides a comprehensive foundation for listeners to engage deeply with the unfolding mystery of Mark Stover, Linda Opdyke, and the enigmatic bodyguard, Michiel Oakes.
This summary is based on the transcript provided and is structured to highlight the key elements and quotes from the episode.