On December 3, 2023, a seemingly ordinary day took a tragic turn for George Abraham and his family. As he tended to his yard in Pennsylvania, their beloved Newfoundland, Oakley, suddenly collapsed, leaving George’s wife, Kate, screaming in despair. Despite his efforts to revive her, Oakley, a cherished companion and accomplished water rescue dog, had passed away at just six and a half years old.
For George and Kate, Oakley was not just a pet; she was a catalyst that opened their lives to a world of canine water rescue, working alongside human lifeguards to prevent drownings. When they first welcomed Oakley into their home, they had little knowledge of the rigorous training that lay ahead.
An Unexpected Journey into Water Rescue
Initially, the couple envisioned having a dog that enjoyed swimming in their private lake. They chose the Newfoundland breed for its affinity for water. Their journey began unexpectedly when they attended a three-day training camp in Boston, organized by the American Academy of Canine Water Rescue and featuring trainers from Milan’s prestigious Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs. Recognizing Oakley’s potential, one trainer invited them to Italy for further training, akin to having an NBA legend express admiration for a child’s talent on the basketball court.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed their travel plans, forcing them to choose between abandoning their water rescue aspirations or fully committing to them. With ample time on their hands during lockdown, they decided to immerse themselves in training. Both George and Kate completed lifeguard certifications, which were crucial for the human members of the rescue team.
In September 2021, they finally made it to Italy, where Oakley excelled in the most advanced rescue courses. Upon their return, they set their sights on mastering helicopter jumps, a skill requiring extensive preparation. It took two years to achieve this milestone, culminating in a successful jump after four and a half years of training. Oakley relished every moment, even performing her first water rescue during training when she swam to save a nearby swimmer who had suffered an asthma attack.
A Multifaceted Companion
Beyond her rescue capabilities, Oakley was also a trained service dog, providing invaluable support to Kate, who lives with multiple sclerosis. Oakley’s playful spirit shone through as she donned costumes, participated in holiday events, and engaged in activities like climbing ladders and swinging on playground swings. Her infectious energy and charisma endeared her to thousands of followers online, where they documented her training and adventures.
As Oakley aged, George prepared himself for the inevitable loss, knowing that Newfoundlands often have shorter lifespans. To ease the transition, the couple welcomed a new puppy, Kelby, who arrived at 10 weeks old, just a year after Oakley’s passing. As they began training Kelby, Oakley’s legacy lived on, and the puppy learned foundational obedience skills that would pave the way for her own journey in water rescue.
In the wake of Oakley’s death, George and Kate faced the heart-wrenching decision of how to continue their work. A hike at dawn served as a cathartic experience for George, helping him process his grief while still engaging in the activities that Oakley loved. Ultimately, they decided not to halt their mission, driven by the impact Oakley had on many lives.
Honoring Oakley’s Memory
George shared the news of Oakley’s passing with their online community, where they had fostered a robust network of supporters. The outpouring of grief and stories of how Oakley had touched lives inspired the couple to establish a GoFundMe campaign aimed at purchasing a rescue boat in her honor. In a remarkable show of support, followers donated over $10,000, allowing them to name the boat “4 Oaks” after their beloved companion.
On Memorial Day 2024, just over six months after Oakley’s death, Kelby embarked on her first official assignment at Beltzville State Park, where lifeguard services had been suspended due to COVID-19. As the park filled to capacity, an incident involving a flipped jet ski unfolded, with one man struggling to stay afloat.
In that critical moment, Kelby sprang into action. George called her name, and without hesitation, she dove into the water. Once alongside the swimmer, Kelby positioned herself for the rescue, demonstrating the training and instincts instilled in her. With her assistance, the swimmer was safely brought back to the boat, showcasing Kelby’s training and seamless execution of her duties.
A Continuing Legacy
Kelby’s performance that day was reminiscent of Oakley’s own bravery and professionalism. With a strong sense of purpose and composure, she proved that Oakley’s legacy of excellence in water rescue would continue through her.
In this remarkable journey, both dogs—Oakley and Kelby—have exemplified the profound bond between humans and their canine companions, underscoring the essential role that well-trained rescue dogs play in keeping communities safe.
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