Although I'm not quite retired, I'm getting there. 

Part of me can't wait until I just walk away from all the trauma and drama that comes along with the K9 SAR work. 

The ungrateful clients, the harry haters, the assholes that like to post fake b.s. about me and my work on social media.

I keep trying to keep focused on why I got involved in SAR in the first place. 

To help others in need.

But when you get blasted weekly by the people you are trying to help it get's frustrating.

I understand they are angry their loved one is dead, but I sure didn't kill them.

I understand if they are mad because the sheriff's offices SAR Teams failed to find them. Again, out of my control.

I understand if the sheriff's or police department doesn't want to investigate their loved one's death other than it was either suicide or natural causes. (mostly drug related now a days). But again, don't take it out on me. The old saying "Don't shoot the messenger" has true meaning.

What I will miss when I finally call it quits is the bringing closure to the families when No one else would or could.

Total finds people and pets live and dead 4,448. 

How many other dog handlers in the world can say they've been as successful? 

Again all of my documented finds and assisted finds have been validated by a third party often a family member of the missing and or law enforcement or both.

To all of you who have supported me and my efforts I want to say thank you.

To all of you harry haters who have tried with all of your false statements, bad mouthing me to who ever will listen. I want to say "Go Fuck Yourself." 

There will always be haters out there. But you all must realize that the families don't need to hear your bullshit. They are emotionally charged and don't deserve your egos and politics.

To date everything I've said and done has been documented, supported and validated in the courtroom as an expert witness regarding all aspects of SAR, K9 SAR, Scent evidence and forensic scent evidence.

I'll never forget the look on the sheriff's face when he refused my offer to assist in searching for a missing child down in Albany, Oregon. He and his divers, search dogs, ground teams, helicopters searched for 3 days without any luck. When the child's father called me in privately and it took me only 20 minutes to find and recover the child's body, the sheriff was speechless when I went up and shook his hand and said "good job" I'm the guy you didn't want in here yet here I am and it only took me 20 minutes. Shame on you". 

His family still sends me thank you cards and emails for bringing closure to their son's case when no one else could or would.

I also remember the live recoveries. Though they are rare, they are still in my memory as happy times that come with this job.

I'm going to try to keep doing this job for a few more years, but I'm getting old and my body has taken a beating over the last 48 years of working SAR. Arthritis, knee replacements, shoulder injury, etc.

We'll see. Taking it one day a time to help others in their time of need.

Respectfully

Mr. Harry Oakes

K9 SAR Coordinator

www.k9sardog.com