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So-Called ‘Friend’ Sells Soldier’s Beloved Dog While He Served in Afghanistan

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Lt. Brandon Harker And His Lab, Oakley, Shortly Before He Was Deployed To Afghanistan. While Deployed, The Friend Harker Had Entrusted With Oakley's Care Sold The Dog Through Craigslist. Photo: Brandon Harker

An American soldier is desperately hoping to find his beloved dog, Oakley.

When 1st Lt. Brandon Harker returned from Afghanistan after a 9 month deployment, he was shocked to discover that the so-called “good friend” he had entrusted with his dog’s care had sold the yellow Labrador Retriever on Craigslist.

Harker, a resident of Lakewood, Washington got Oakley in 2011, shortly after joining the military. The pair were inseparable until Harker was deployed overseas and could not take his dog with him. So, as many other soldiers do when deployed, the lieutenant left his beloved dog in the care of a good friend.

“Every time, while I was gone, I asked about him,” Harker said. He explained that his “friend” always said Oakley was “doing good (and) acting like his regular self.” Harker says he always asked for pictures but never got any.

As he was flying back to his base in Washington, Harker learned that his dog wouldn’t be waiting there for him.

Oakley3
Oakley loved to snuggle and is described as “a big baby” by his devastated owner. Oakley is registered and microchipped to Harker. Photo: Brandon Harker.

Now, Harker has created a Facebook page in desperate hopes of finding his dog and getting him back.

I just recently returned from a 9 month deployment. And upon arrival back into the area I found out my yellow labrador retriever was either given away or sold while I was gone. I was told this happened in May, but it could have happened anytime from February till June. He is good with kids and other dogs. He has a unique coat, on his face he has spots of a darker yellow (champagne) he also has spots of the same color going down his sides and legs. If anyone has any information on this and can help me please do. I am just trying to get him back to me since he was wrongfully given away or sold with out my permission while I was deployed. I will also be able to verify the dog is mine because he is micro-chipped and registered to me. Once again thank you to everyone who sees this and tries to help. If you could spread the word about this issues that would be great as well.

Harker also explained that he’d been to police to file a report, but was told that since he “gave” his dog to someone while he was deployed, they were within their rights to give the dog away and nothing can be done beyond taking the “friend” to small claims court.

Please, visit Harker’s Facebook page by clicking here. Spread this story far and wide to help reconnect an American hero with his beloved dog.

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25 Comments

25 Comments

  1. Well with friends like that this guy doesn’t need any enemies. At the least the so called friend could give information on this Labrador,you know this person knows when they sold the dog and they have to have some information even going through Craig s List.I say give this so called friend the opportunity to give up the information, if this person does not talk, take this so called friend to small claims court.What was done was rotten and selfish. Good Luck, I hope you two get back together,I know h w I would feel if that would happen to my friends,my pets. PS Make sure that their is press coverage if you get as far as Small Claims.People should know what this s called friend is.That’s only fair. Again Good Luck, my prayers are with you and Oakley.

  2. Avatar Of Lisa

    Lisa

    says:

    So, if this “friend” who was entrusted with this young man’s TRUE friend that he obviously loved and considered family is LEGALLY allowed to “give” him away, does that mean if this so called “friend” was entrusted with this soldier’s child he could also sell him/her?

  3. Avatar Of Nora

    Nora

    says:

    IF he was paying the “friend” there would be proof of that and also show he didn’t give Oakley to the “friend”. Since it was a “friend” there was probably no written agreement, but that would be a plus too if it went to court. Of course anyone that low would probably lie to a judge too. 🙁 I hope he finds Oakley.

  4. Here is another link for stolen are lost missing dogs a lot of people don’t know about thestolendog.com these people have been very successfully in finding missing pets

  5. Avatar Of Lori

    Lori

    says:

    Did the friend say exactly what happened to Oakley? This friend could have done anything to the dog. My bet is that the dog may have ran away or the friend took it to a shelter. I doubt the dog was sold when so many are waiting in shelters. If the friend won’t tell Brandon what he/she did with the dog, take him to court, maybe the judge will make him explain what happened.

  6. Avatar Of Jean

    Jean

    says:

    My first thought was the dog died and the “friend” doesn’t have the nerve to tell him. I sure hope not. Makes more sense then selling or giving away a friends dog.

  7. Avatar Of Chester Chester says:

    Can the “friend” eat solid food yet?

  8. Avatar Of Jen Jen says:

    Why doesn’t he go to the vet and have them trace the microchip? isn’t the commercial home again? isn’t it designed to help you find your pet? if he is chipped their shouldn’t be such a ordeal trying to find him. and the guy who did this to his friend is a jerk! public.homeagain.com

    • Avatar Of Ashley Harrison

      Ashley Harrison

      says:

      I think you have the wrong idea about pet microchips. It’s not a GPS tracker for your pet. When a vet scans the microchip, all you get is an identity number. Then, you go to the website for that particular brand of chip, and (if the owner registered the chip) you can find the contact info for the owner. But if the new owner doesn’t realize the dog is stolen, they’re not likely to ask someone to check the chip.

  9. Avatar Of Betty Armbruster

    Betty Armbruster

    says:

    So sorry about the loss of your dog. I hope your find him. I don’t understand how some people can let people down like that…how do they ever live with themselves. Again. I do hope you find your sweet Oakley.

  10. Avatar Of Julie

    Julie

    says:

    Please post this scums name so that others will know who he is. It may also jog someone’s memory as to who bought the dog. Thank you for your service, so sorry that the scumbag sold your dog. I sure hope you find him soon.

  11. Avatar Of Kathy

    Kathy

    says:

    What about archives of ads posted to Craigslist to at least get a time of when the ad was posted? And definitely plaster the internet with pictures, someone must know something.

  12. Avatar Of Slmoran2567 slmoran2567 says:

    I can’t think of word that adequately describes what this tool did. Give up this guy’s name as it could help find your dog, and warn others not to ask him to “take care” of a pet for them.

  13. Avatar Of Brenda

    Brenda

    says:

    I would CALL the Microchip company’s database to put Oakley in an “alert” list for stolen pets (prevents anyone from changing owner info).
    Too… think about publishing the “friend’s” name AND picture. Whoever bought, or took possession of Oakley most likely didn’t KNOW the Truth–and is oblivious to what is going on. If they SEE his/her picture–they just might put two & two together… and do the right thing.
    There are MANY ‘rescue groups’ on FB–Great folks who know how to network coast to coast. They can be a wonderful resource for getting the word out. Many motorcycle groups are huge supporters of our Vets… contact the Eagles, Moose, AmVets, VFW’s…flyers at grocery stores, pet stores, vets, groomers, and “pet parks”… leave no stone unturned !! The more the word gets out there… the better the chance to bring Oakley HOME !!

  14. Avatar Of Julie Hammond

    Julie Hammond

    says:

    I am sure this has already been done but notify
    the micro chip company and advise the situation.
    Then go to area vets give them the micro chip number
    as well. They can check to see any matches to new dogs
    that have come in. Dogs that have been micro chipped
    have been returned years later. Sad story.

  15. Avatar Of Amanda

    amanda

    says:

    what is the “friends” name?

  16. Avatar Of Karen

    Karen

    says:

    I thought I read somewhere that Lt Harker was paying the “friend” to keep Oakley. Wouldn’t that constitute an arrangement other than “he gave the dog away”? What a way to repay a soldier for putting his life on the line for our country! I hope they are reunited soon.

  17. Avatar Of Marsha

    Marsha

    says:

    Good reason to hang with dogs. So I don’t become one of the evil humans. I’m not saying dogs are perfect, just a change of pace.

  18. Avatar Of Susie

    Susie

    says:

    I found the police department FB page. What asses.
    facebook.com/LakewoodPD
    I did a driveby comment, but it sure does not make me feel better for this soldier. He volunteers to put himself in danger to protect our freedoms and the freaking police refuse to do a thing.

  19. Avatar Of Gail

    Gail

    says:

    CONTACT VET (doggie vet) organizations see if there is a way to notify vets to check for your microchip number of anyone who has come in wtih a Lab within this time period……..

  20. Avatar Of Rita

    Rita

    says:

    I agree with Pat! If you post the “friend”‘s name, you might have a better chance of getting your dog back! I don’t understand why people can be so cruel!

    • Avatar Of Peg

      peg

      says:

      I applaud the fact Brandon does not name the friend or sink to calling him/her all the names that came to my mind when I read this story.
      Maybe just a first name would help to trigger the memory of someone who read or responded to the ad even if they were not the ones to get Oakley it might help get a better time frame.

  21. Avatar Of Pat Riehl

    Pat Riehl

    says:

    Maybe you should put the “friend’s” name on here so people that know the “friend” can help track down Oakley. He definitely is NOT a friend. Hope you get Oakley back. He is beautiful.

  22. Avatar Of Anita Ball

    Anita Ball

    says:

    Why? Why? This is unbelievable & heartbreaking. HOW could a “so called” friend do something like this and doesn’t this friend even know who Oakley was sold to? It was only 9 months for pete’s sake..I just don’t understand some humans!

    • Avatar Of Juliann Valencia

      Juliann Valencia

      says:

      We all need friends like that. What a fucking jerk. That happened to me when I was moving. I asked someone I knew and thought I could trust to watch my Boxer Sammy and the fucking punk gave her to some drug addict. I never got her back. A good lesson learned. I trust no-one and won’t let anyone take care of my dog unless it is family. I am sorry for this young mans loss. I hope he finds his doggie.

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