K9 Hero Award
In mid-April 2024, our organization was contacted by the Beckley Police Department and the FBI office in Pittsburgh for help with a case concerning a missing child and her mother. Natasha Alex Carter, the child, and her mother, Susan Carter, had been missing since August 8, 2000. After a thorough evaluation that involved discussions with the FBI out of the Pittsburgh office, they reviewed our certifications and references to confirm our qualifications for the mission. Once we received approval and recognition of our skills, we were invited to the excavation site where search efforts had been ongoing for two days.
Upon reaching the site, we quickly devised a strategic plan for deploying our canines. Understanding the significance of the task, we brought along two highly trained dogs, K9 Theo and K9 Charlee. We chose to have each dog team search the area individually, allowing them to concentrate fully without any distractions. Each canine thoroughly searched the area before the next team was allowed to stepped in, which enhanced the effectiveness of our search and kept the previous team's findings confidential to avoid compromising the results.
During the search, both dogs indicated a specific spot that required further investigation. Motivated by their findings, the excavation team began digging in the area where the dogs had alerted. They discovered a grave containing human remains, which forensic analysis later confirmed belonged to Susan Carter and her daughter, Natasha Alex Carter. Although this discovery was tragic, it provided much-needed answers and hopefully closure for the family and community after over twenty years of uncertainty.
In recognition of their exceptional work and commitment, K9 Theo and K9 Charlee were honored with the prestigious 2024 K9 Hero Award. This award was presented by the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, emphasizing the crucial role that working dogs play in vital search and recovery operations and acknowledging the emotional impact of their contributions in this heartbreaking case. Their efforts showcased the effectiveness of canine teams in such critical situations.