K9 Spotlight: Lawrence Ervin and K9 Aurnia

Lawrence Ervin and K9 Aurnia
Flight Paramedic & Handler // SAR K9

"Aurnia and I met when she was a young, 3 month old pup. I had never had a Malinois companion and to be honest I didn’t know what the breed was all about. I researched, as any good Malinois (or any breed) owner should, and fell in love.

Actually I was told “this is the perfect dog for you and your mentality Lawrence.” (Go figure) I was in a bad place and she saved my life. I knew she needed a job so we started SAR. Being so far away from the training area we had to stop. We did a lot of other things... in the end, we went back to what we love and know best, SAR.

As a flight paramedic of 5 years and a medic, prior military and civilian for 30 years, it seemed right to team up with my dog and make a difference. Aurnia has IGP style obedience training, and we are HRD land, Water and shoreline certified through UK9s out of Illinois. We are a member of the Centers for missing persons and have deployed on many different searches in 4 different states as of yet. Also members of Team Texas K9s and cannot thank them enough for everything they have taught us and done for us.

This December we will receive our tracking certification and she will be dual purpose and deploy ready. We love doing obstacle course racing, we’re the 4H Dog Project leader for our county, help educate others in basic obedience, we gym it out together and do as much as hoomanly possible to stay active and ready! (Even if that sounds like a lot... There is so much more we do).

She’s my ride or die, and my wingmal. This Galmal has saved my life and brought me out of deep and dark places, of which I didn’t think were possible. We train and hang out every chance we can, bond and have fun. We want to continue with SAR and just enjoy living our best life.

After certification, we do hope to deploy more and help others, while we get to share the years we have together. I never look in front or behind me, I always have to look next to me and she’s there. Aurnia and I live by Isiah 6:8 'Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me!' (Send us)”

Their Gear: ICON Air Harness with tactical leash and ICON Swiss Seat. We also love the durability of the Cobra Buckle Collar, the trusted 33’ Biothane Long Line w/ Carry Bag, K9 Helm Trident TR-1 Gen2 Tactical Dog Helmet, your new Tug Dangler (love this), some sweet a$$ patches and some good memories. It is all so durable and works in any scenario. Comfortable for my partner and well made. Simply the best!

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