It’s a howl miracle!
An Ohio police officer was reunited with his former K-9 partner amid an emotional battle with the city he once served over ownership of his beloved pup.
The city of Shaker Heights voted to allow Officer Chad Hagan and his family to purchase the K-9, a six-year-old German shepherd named Igor, just in time for the dog to be home for the holidays.
“We’re happy to have our family back for Christmas,” Hagan enthused on Fox 8 on Friday.
The family will purchase Igor from the Shaker Heights Police Department for $16,500, which will go toward training a new dog and another officer.
During the council meeting, former Hagan Police Chief Wayne Hudson recommended that an amendment be made to the current city law to allow K-9s, still fit for service, to be sold to their former handlers. in exchange for the price it would cost them. replace them.
The vote passed unanimously as Hagan watched the session on Zoom.
Chad Hagan had worked with Igor for five years before leaving his current police job for one closer to home. Facebook
Hagan was then informed that ownership of Igor would be transferred to him and that he could pick up his canine companion that day.
“On behalf of Officer Chad Hagan, Jr. and his family, I am pleased to announce that Hagan’s canine companion, Igor, will be returning home today thanks to the City of Shaker Heights’ willingness to work cooperatively to address the complicated matter and find a solution. legal way to balance the wishes of the Hagan family and the responsibilities of the City,” the family’s attorney said in a statement provided to the outlet.
“Officer Hagan, Igor and the rest of the Hagen family are truly grateful for all the support they have received.”
The city told Hagan that he had to relinquish ownership of Igor and could not purchase the bag since his former police department believed the K-9 was still in working condition. Facebook/Fox 8 News
The exciting reunion came with tons of slobbery kisses and screams of joy from Igor, who had spent more than two weeks in a pound when the family had to surrender him after Thanksgiving.
“He was excited, he was jumping on us,” Chad’s wife, Danielle Hagan, told the outlet. “Well, to be honest, he couldn’t care less. He was jumping on Chad, very excited to see us.”
The couple had worked together for more than five years before Hagan moved to another police department to be closer to his family.
After much pressure and persistence on the city, Hagan was allowed to purchase Igor from the city. Facebook/Fox 8 News
The desperate handler argued that his doggy companion was nearing retirement and offered to buy him for $10,000 (when the usual price to buy a retired K-9 is just $1), but was quickly turned down after the department believed that Igor was still fit to serve.
During that time, they formed an unbreakable family bond.
“It’s been very difficult for him to be away from his best friend,” Danielle told the outlet.
“The dog he’s been with every day for the last five and a half years, it was a lot.”
Despite the high asking price, there was no dollar amount compared to the love Hagan and Igor had for each other.
“To get Igor back was what we were going to do,” Hagan’s wife shared, adding that the family “appreciates the city of Shaker Heights” for allowing the sale.
Hagan shared that he and his family are happy to have been able to bring his ex-partner home for Christmas. Facebook/Fox 8 News
Community members, also touched by the partner’s bond, created a GoFundMe called “Bring K-9 Igor Home” and raised nearly $13,000 to reunite the two.
“We genuinely appreciate the love for animals that has inspired so many people across the country and beyond to share their thoughts about this situation,” Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss told the outlet.
“Our ordinance, which reflects a long-standing state law that Officer Hagan was aware of, did not provide the authority to address situations in which a police officer leaves the department prior to the removal of his dog. “Today’s Council action to amend the ordinance allows for the amicable resolution reached today.”
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Source: vtt.edu.vn