Please Welcome K-9 Oakley #350
Please welcome retired K-9 “Oakley” (Cadaver Dog) to the Project K-9 Hero Pack, as our 350th Program Member from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Department, Texas.
K-9 Oakley, an Australian Kelpie, has lived a life defined by service, courage, and loyalty. Her journey began in 2018 when she joined Alamo Search and Rescue. She later became a vital member of South Texas Search and Rescue, working alongside the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office in Falfurrias, Texas, under the leadership of Deputy Don White. In the unforgiving terrain known as “Death Valley,” Oakley tirelessly searched for missing immigrants, many of whom had perished along their journey, helping to bring long awaited closure to grieving families in Mexico and across South America.
Her work was far from easy. The blistering heat, rough terrain, and emotionally taxing nature of the missions took their toll, yet Oakley pressed forward in the deep sand sometimes along her Handler on horseback. She became known not just as a working dog, but as a partner who could be counted on in the most challenging and dangerous circumstances.
In 2023, when war erupted in Israel, Oakley’s service took a turn. She deployed overseas alongside the Israel Dog Unit and the Israel Defense Forces, working in some of the most high-risk areas in the settlement of Nir Oz and throughout the Gaza region. There her mission was as critical as it was dangerous, searching for the missing, determining whether they were hostages of war, and bringing answers to their families.
Her Handler, a U.S. military Veteran with a long standing personal and professional connection to Israel, returned to the region year after year. Oakley’s skill, discipline, and proven track record made her the only American dog to serve in that capacity, earning respect from Israel.
Back stateside, she continued to assist with cold case investigations, including missing persons and immigrant recovery missions along the southern border with Deputy Don White of Brooks County Sheriff’s Department. Her efforts gave families the answers they desperately needed and reinforced her place as a trusted cadaver dog.
By 2024, the wear and tear of a demanding career began to show. Severe arthritis and lingering injuries from her years in the field forced her into retirement. Even so, she remained her Handler’s constant companion, transitioning from an active-duty search dog to a devoted service dog, alerting to PTSD and providing emotional support.
In August 2025, a new challenge, a mass, developed at the site of one of her old injuries, raising concerns that it could be something far more serious than scar tissue or inflammation.
The road ahead remains uncertain. Her arthritis is advanced, her mobility is limited, and now she faces yet another possible battle with her health.
Oakley’s life has been one of sacrifice and relentless dedication. She has endured extreme climates, grueling searches, and dangerous deployments to serve both her community and people halfway across the world. We are honored to step up immediately and pay for Oakley’s medical care, frequent office visits, necessary prescription medication, and any future diagnostic testing or surgeries for the rest of her life at 100%.
Please take a moment to welcome K-9 Oakley as our 350th Pack Member, as she joins her late sister MWD Bety (R204), PK9H #34, who was a long time member of our program before passing away several years ago!
Our Capital Campaign will help ensure that we always have a place to stay for Heroes like Oakley. Please donate today to continue supporting our life-saving abilities.
