My Name is Rachel Lawson. I am the founder of this organization, Boots & Collars: Earls Hope for Military Handlers & K-9s. Boots & Collars is very dear to my heart not just as a supporter of our American troops, but because I am the sister of Lcpl Brad O’Keefe. For three years I have seen my brother overcome many hard physical obstacles. He is a true fighter and a hero to me and many more. On a ho
rrible day in Afghanistan three and a half years ago, an IED did more than just physically hurt my brother. It left behind the scars of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Like all our troops who endure the emotional scars of war, my brother is learning how to go about his day by day activities. Yet from day one of his recovery, one troubling question was yet to be answered…
“Where is Earl?”
On April 14, 2010, while on patrol, Brad and his partner MWD Earl (a Labrador retriever trained to detect and alert Brad to explosive devices), were clearing an area that Brad’s unit was passing through. During a general sweep, Earl alerted Brad to a possible explosive in the area. This action halted more individuals from entering the area. In an instant and insurgent used a remote and detonated an IED (improvised explosive device), forever changing Brad’s and Earl’s lives. At that very moment Brad would never see Earl again. Cpl Earl (P202, IDD MWD) was slightly injured in the blast, and in the chaos of the moment ran back to his base camp alone and hurt, over 5 miles away. There he waited beside Brads gear. Brad’s injuries were severe and did not allow him to return to Earl. He was emergency flown out of Afghanistan and never knew the fate of his best friend. “Where is Earl?”
For year’s family, friends, and myself tried to help Brad locate Earl. We only found dead ends. Much of the information that we needed is considered classified, understandably so to those of us in the “civilian” world. But even Brad, who was put back on active duty, was not given any consideration when he searched for Earl. He eventually, as many handlers do, came to the point where hope is lost. It broke my heart to see my brother still desire to see Earl, but come to terms that he probably never will. . “Where is Earl?”
There was no system or individual in place to notify Brad of Earl’s fate or any known way to reunite them. Lcpl O’Keefe couldn’t even say with certainty if Earl was even still alive. This was something that always deeply bothered him and those who wished to meet this hero on 4 legs. That day Earl saved fathers, sons, brothers, uncles, cousins, and friends of this platoon by alerting to Brad that an IED was near. This whole span of events from the last three years had me wondering, “What can I do to help these heroes who risked their lives together to ensure our troops safety?” I want to be able to fill that void of uncertainty and bring public recognition to this issue. This is a serious lapse in our military’s procedures for individuals and canine service members who know nothing but sacrifice for our country. I believe this is a problem that is easily answered through standardized legislation. I hope this effort will give both handler and MWD peace of mind. To have an option of knowing the dog they served with is still alive, well, and continuing to do the work they love. Or possibly communicating with other handlers or the adopting family, being able to share stories and help heal through reconnection and understanding. Best yet would be reuniting them permanently together upon a K-9’s retirement. This is our main objective.
“So where is Earl??”… On May 25, 2013 I decided I would try the power of social media to search for Earl. That night I created a page, Bring MWD Earl Home. IT WORKED!! Earl had become “military surplus” and was given to the Rhode Island State Police Department in November of 2012. On a beautiful sunny day in Rhode Island, June 21, 2013 to be exact, my brother was reunited with Earl! But better yet, he was able to adopt Earl!! They now reside happily in Rochester NY. My brother and his best friend are now forever reunited. The success of my search and their reunion caught global attention. Soon I was receiving requests to search for more dogs in all branches of our military K-9 programs. I couldn’t say no. This was the turning point in my searches. I would now take on the task of helping other military “brothers” and “sisters” locate their MWD. But I couldn’t do it alone. That is how Boots & Collars came to be. I have learned through talking with k-9 handlers, both active and veterans, that most just want to someday reunite again and share stories with the new handler. Some do hope that when their K-9 partner comes to the point of retirement, that they would be given the opportunity to adopt their former companion. Since there is already a database that keeps track of each dog and its current location, a quick form would allow handlers contact information to be part of the dogs records as well. This would allow limited information to be made available solely to handlers. Ideally, a separate office or staff member would be responsible for locating handlers in order of 1st to last handler, with intention of allowing handlers to adopt their MWD partner. With this addition to the canine program, one less worry can be taken off the minds of our handlers who return home from war. It would give both combat veterans a retirement they deserve, with the friend that understands them best. These dogs provide their handlers with much needed comfort and emotional support, and the dogs receive the same from a familiar face and hand of comfort. The current legislation leaves too much to chance with each individual command. Your help and support in this matter is extremely and truly appreciated. We have a unique opportunity to help a group of individuals that have done nothing but give for us, their country, and our way of life. Rachel Lawson
Founder and CEO of Boots & Collars
www.bootsandcollars.org
