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.

Now, Harker has created a Facebook page and a Craigslist Ad 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.