A former K-9 officer is fighting tooth and nail to retire his former partner and formally add him to his family, but an Ohio town stands in the way.
Officer Chad Hagan claims the city of Shaker Heights rejected his offer of $10,000 to take canine Igor with him when he leaves the department simply out of spite, knowing the separation would be devastating for both of them.
The couple has worked together for more than five years, during which time they have formed an unbreakable family bond.
“He has been with us through our first home, our forever home, our marriage and our baby. He’s been with us through everything,” Hagan’s wife, Danielle, told Cleveland19.
“We’re the only family he knows.”
The heartbreaking saga began in September when Hagan told his superiors, out of respect, that he would pursue job opportunities to get closer to his family, a decision the boss reportedly applauded.
Although Hagan had no job opportunities at the time, Chief Wayne Hudson decided to separate the German shepherd from his former handler so the K-9 could acclimate to a new officer, according to an online petition.
Officer Chad Hagan and his K9 Igor have worked together for over five years, during which time they have formed an unbreakable family bond. Facebook
When Hagan pushed to adopt Igor, Hudson allegedly hinted that he would approve the offer if the couple continued working in Shaker Heights for another two years.
The desperate handler argued that the beloved 6 1/2-year-old dog was about to retire and offered to buy him for $10,000, when the usual price to buy a retired K-9 is $1, but was forcefully rejected.
“This offer was denied, out of a clear act of spite. Chief Hudson stated, ‘(K9 Igor) is a tool and there is no financial amount that can be considered,’” the petition alleges.
Chief Wayne Hudson refuses to allow the officer to purchase the K9. Youtube/19 News
Despite the scathing comments, Hudson reportedly left the meeting giving Hagan hope that he might change his mind.
However, when Hagan submitted his resignation around Thanksgiving, the boss ruined the holiday by ordering the manager to return Igor to a facility.
A former Ohio City K-9 officer is fighting to keep his former K9 partner on the brink of retirement, but the city is standing in the way of securing his trusted partner. Cambio.org
“Igor is a six-year-old German Shepherd and, if his health remains strong, he is expected to be able to do his duty, keeping the residents of Shaker Heights safe, for another three to four years. He shows no signs of slowing down,” the city told Ceveland19 in a statement.
The desperate manager argued that the beloved 6 and a half year old dog was about to retire and offered to buy him for $10,000. Facebook
Officials stated that neither Hudson nor the city administration have the authority to sell Igor considering his fitness level.
In addition to hoping to retire Igor for love, the Hagan family argued that Igor has slowed down in recent years, estimating that he only has one or two years of law enforcement left.
Danielle also claims that other nearby communities have allowed officers to purchase canines even after four years for just $1.
The Hagan family is the only K-9 family Igor has ever known, a petition reads. Facebook
“The Hagan family is the only K-9 family Igor has ever known and instead of being with Officer Hagan and his family for the remaining week and a half, he has been living in a boarding school, lying on a concrete 4×4 pad. . due to retaliation by Chief Hudson,” the petition states.
“The bond that Officer Hagan and K-9 Igor have goes beyond what anyone could imagine. K-9 Igor has saved Officer Hagan’s life on multiple occasions. K-9 Igor is not a “tool”. He is a beloved member of the Hagan family and Officer Hagan’s best friend. “This is truly the worst heartbreak this family has ever gone through.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn