LOST MOUNTAIN GROUP
Pairing Retired Military Working Dogs as Canine Companions with U.S. Veterans
Did you know that there is NO public funding for retired police and military working dogs?
HISTORY OF MILITARY WORKING DOGS-
The use of dogs in warfare dates back as early as 600 BC, when ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans first employed them in combat. While canines have been a part of military history for centuries, no nation has utilized them as extensively or effectively as the United States. Military working dogs (MWDs) have served alongside American troops in every major conflict since the country’s founding, though they were not formally recognized for their service until World War II.
Prior to WWII, dogs primarily acted as messengers and sentries. Today, however, their roles have expanded dramatically. Modern MWDs are trained in a wide range of highly specialized tasks, including detecting explosives and narcotics, tracking individuals, and performing controlled aggression work when needed. Currently, approximately 2,500 MWDs serve in the U.S. military, with around 700 deployed overseas.
Becoming a military working dog is no easy feat. Only about 50% of dogs selected for assessment make it through training. Candidates must possess exceptional olfactory capabilities, be physically sound, highly trainable through reward-based motivation, and able to engage in controlled aggression on command. Dogs that exhibit anxiety or hesitation in scenarios like biting a human target are disqualified from service.
Contrary to popular belief, not all MWDs are German Shepherds. While the German Shepherd is a well-known military breed, others are commonly used, including:
Belgian Malinois
Dutch Shepherds
Labrador Retrievers
Doberman Pinschers
For decades, the U.S. sourced about 85% of its military dogs from Germany and the Netherlands, where purpose-driven breeding programs have existed for centuries. These programs allow for the selection of ideal temperaments—balancing aggression, intelligence, tenacity, and playfulness. More recently, the U.S. has partnered with the American Kennel Club to develop domestic breeding programs. The largest of these is housed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, which supplies dogs to every branch of the U.S. military.
Training a single MWD costs the Department of Defense approximately $150,000, but their success rate in detecting explosives and narcotics is an impressive 98%. The effectiveness of these dogs in the field more than justifies their cost. Upon completion of training, MWDs are granted the status of noncommissioned officers—often ranked one step above their handler to symbolize the respect and care they deserve.
The average career of a military working dog spans 9 to 11 years. Unfortunately, until the early 2000s, these loyal service animals were considered "surplus equipment" and were often euthanized or left behind after their service ended. It’s estimated that over 4,000 dogs were abandoned in Vietnam, with fewer than 300 ever returning home. This changed with the passage of Robby’s Law in 2000, signed by President Bill Clinton, which allows handlers and their families the first opportunity to adopt their MWDs upon retirement.
Today, more than 90% of retired military dogs are adopted by their former handlers. Others go on to serve in local law enforcement or are placed with loving families. However, despite the critical role these dogs play, there is no public funding for their transportation or rehoming— and that’s where organizations like Lost Mountain Group step in— providing support, transport, and placement for these veterans of war who deserve a safe, peaceful retirement.
“For Lost Mountain Group, it’s all about the puppies— they were there when we needed them most and now it’s time for us to be there for them. Connecting these canine’s with Veterans is just an added win for all!”
— Andrew Keahon,
Founder, Lost Mountain Group
ABOUT LOST MOUNTAIN GROUP-
Lost Mountain Group (LMG) was founded in 2016 by retired D.C. Metro Police Department K-9 and Bomb Squad Commander Andrew “Andy” Keahon. After more than 25 years in law enforcement, Andy felt a deep calling to do more for the working dogs who had served alongside him. With the creation of Lost Mountain Group, his vision became a reality: pairing retired Military Working Dogs (MWDs) with U.S. Veterans throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.
LMG placed its first canine companion in November 2016—a retired police bomb dog named Gypsy, a female Labrador. She became a source of comfort and healing for a top-tier MWD handler and combat veteran recovering from severe injuries. Over time, the veteran’s spouse began sending updates and photos, showing how Gypsy’s presence profoundly improved her husband’s quality of life. That story marked the beginning of what would become LMG’s mission.
Our Rehabilitation Process
Many of the dogs that come through Lost Mountain Group are transitioning from high-intensity military or police roles. Our team spends several months carefully rehabilitating each dog, helping them shift from a "working dog" mentality to life as a beloved companion.
This rehabilitation includes:
Exposure to civilian environments
Socialization with other animals, children, and unfamiliar settings
Positive reinforcement of basic comforts like beds, treats, affection, and play
Experiences such as pool time, farm life, and interaction with “siblings” or other dogs
Once a dog is fully rehabilitated, socialized, and trained, we begin reviewing applications to match them with a deserving veteran. Every dog is fully vetted and medically cleared before being placed…. and it is our practice to allow the dogs to “pick” their humans and “fur-ever homes”!
Our Mission, Our Impact
Lost Mountain Group is one of the only organizations in the Mid-Atlantic dedicated to rescuing retired MWDs and placing them with veterans—completely free of charge. Since our founding, we’ve placed over 50 canine companions with veterans, and with each successful pairing, we save two lives: We rescue the dog, and the dog rescues the veteran.
Nonprofit Status & Support
In 2020, Lost Mountain Group became an independent nonprofit organization with active locations in Virginia and Maryland. We are recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) public charity, and all charitable contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. EIN: 86-1308474
Meet Our Team
Lost Mountain Group Founder Andy Keahon
with LMG Retired Military Working Dogs Tsara and Toby
ANDREW KEAHON, FOUNDER
Born and raised in a law enforcement family, Lost Mountain Group Founder Andrew Keahon (Andy) was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps to become a police officer. At the time, Senior Mr. Keahon (Andy’s father) was serving as the Assistant Chief of the Metro Police Department (MPD) in Washington, DC. After completing his undergraduate degree at Elon College, Andy also joined the DC Metro Police Department in 1991. After five (5) years on the force, Andy went on to become a K-9 handler within the MPD. With a continued passion for education, Andy completed his Master of Public Administration in 2000 at Troy University.
Throughout his years with the Department, Andy became well respected amongst other law enforcement officers across the country as he climbed the ranks within the MPD K-9 Division and Bomb Squad. He was even called to the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, for his knowledge and expertise.
Throughout his career with MPD, Andy became an FBI-certified Bomb Tech and K-9 Trainer and had six (6) K-9 partners that he worked with directly in various capacities, and dozens of K-9’s that he trained over his MPD career. In 2009, Mr. Keahon was instrumental in adding 9 Marine Corps Military Working Dogs (MWD) K-9 war heroes from Afghanistan to the MPD K-9 Division.
During his career, Andy served as both the Bomb Squad and K-9 Unit Commanders simultaneously. Additionally, he quadrupled the size of the K-9 Unit and it quickly became the second-largest K-9 detection unit in the Country responding to between 5,000 and 7,000 calls annually, second only to New York City Police Department.
Throughout his law enforcement career, Andy had been working with K-9 war heroes across the country and expanded further when he accepted a position with a DOD contractor training K-9’s for military and paramilitary personnel all over the world.
In February 2018, Andy retired from the MPD with the rank of Sergeant, after a career spanning over twenty-five (25) years and overseeing the K-9 and Bomb Squad for eight (8) years.
Since he retired from MPD, Andy has continued following his passion for working with MWD K-9’s and has served as the Program Manager for a top-tier Military K-9 organization specializing in HME (homemade explosives) for pre-deployment training for military K-9 units all over the United States. Additionally, he teaches first responder bomb tech for IED defeat and RSP (Render Safe Procedures) for a government contractor and teaches for the Department of Defense (DOD) and Department of Energy (DOE) IED Defeat classes. He travels frequently to military bases and government agency offices to do onsite training.
As of June 2024, Andy will be stepping back from his role as CEO of Lost Mountain Group to finally enjoy retirement. He will still be an active consultant and resource for the organization, but will no longer serve a day-to-day operational role. Andy resides on a 25-acre horse farm in Delaplane, Virginia with his wife Dorry, two daughters, and numerous K-9 companions — some that were foster fails.
KATI TOWNSLEY, MANAGING PARTNER/ OPERATIONS LEAD- MARYLAND
Kati Townsley is a dynamic connector of people, ideas, and purpose. With over 25 years of experience as a passionate, strategic, and results-oriented leader, she brings unmatched energy and heart to every endeavor—particularly when it comes to building stronger, more connected communities. A dedicated philanthropist and community advocate, Kati has long been a driving force in both the public and nonprofit sectors throughout Carroll County, Maryland.
In November 2020, Kati joined Lost Mountain Group, providing the clarity, structure, and leadership needed to formally establish the organization as a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit. Since then, she has become an integral part of the team—shaping strategy, overseeing operations, and serving as a true partner in every aspect of the organization's growth. Her contributions go far beyond logistics; they reflect a deep, personal commitment to the wellbeing of veterans. Through cultivating meaningful partnerships, amplifying Lost Mountain Group’s mission, and serving as a visible community advocate, Kati plays a vital role in supporting those who have served—both two-legged and four-legged.
A proud Carroll County, Maryland native, Kati holds a bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University and pursued graduate studies at McDaniel College and the University of Maryland. She began her professional career in the legal field before turning her passion for service into a full-time calling. For over two decades, she has made a lasting impact through her work in Carroll County’s nonprofit and public sectors. She currently serves as the Development and Community Engagement Manager for the Carroll County Public Library System.
Kati resides in Westminster, Maryland, where she is a well-known and beloved figure in the community—always active, always giving back. She’s also a proud dog mom to three of Lost Mountain Group’s canines, who regularly accompany her at local events as ambassadors of the organization’s mission.
As of June 2024, Kati officially assumed the role of Managing Partner and Operations Lead of Lost Mountain Group, guiding the organization into its next chapter of service and support for veterans—both human and canine.
Kati Townsley
Lost Mountain Group‘s Managing Partner pictured with LMG’s Retired Military Working Dog Rey and German Shepherd Puppies Maverick and Phoenix
Help Us, Help Them…
By Making a Donation Today
For Lost Mountain Group, it’s all about the puppies, and socializing them so they are ready to be paired with their forever veteran— which can be expensive. Your generosity will go right to work to help pair a retired MWD canine companion with a veteran who may be combat wounded, diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or just needs a battle buddy to help them get through their day!
Thank you for helping to save two lives with your generosity!
VENMO: @Lost_Mountain_Group
A Career Shared with K-9 Companions
Momo
MPD K-9
Training Day
That's not your kennel buddy!
Cold Day for K-9 training!
Repelling with the Marine Corps
DC Metro Police Department K-9 Squad 2017
Training Day, these Marines had to carry their dogs all day!
And then they sleep
Koda
K-9 Ace sitting pool side
Just another day at the office for a Bomb Tech
Ozzy LOVES in the being in the water!
DC Metro PD Bomb Squad Mobile Unit
MPD Bomb Tech Small Robot
