Heartbreaking: Soldier Trying to Find His Dog That Was Given Away During His Deployment

A soldier who returned from Afghanistan last week only wanted to see his 2-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Oakley.

Washington state soldier Brandon Harker returned home from Afghanistan to find his dog had been given away or sold. (Image source: Craigslist)

Instead, Brandon Harker discovered the so-called "friend" he'd asked to watch his dog while he was deployed for nine months had decided to either give him away or sell him.

The Lakewood, Wash. resident has turned to Craigslist for help in the hope of tracking down his beloved pet. He's also tried veterinarian's offices and animal shelters, but hasn't had any luck so far. Because Oakley was microchipped and registered to him, Harker will be able to verify it's his dog.

"Oakley never growled or anything at anybody, always ran up with his whole body shaking and put his head down and sniffed you," Harker told KCPQ-TV. "He thought he was a lap dog, he'd crawl up on the couch and try to fit on your lap."

Harker wrote in his Craigslist posting, "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."

Read Harker's full listing below:

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.

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