A former K-9 officer is fighting hard to retire his old partner and officially incorporate him into 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 Igor’s dog with him when he left the department out of spite, knowing the separation would destroy them both.
The couple has worked together for more than five years, during which they have formed an unbreakable family bond.
“He’s been with us through our first home, our forever home, marriage, having babies. Been with us through everything,” Hagan’s wife, Danielle, told Cleveland19.
“We’re the only family he knows.”
The harrowing story began in September when Hagan told his superiors out of respect that he would seek a job opportunity to be closer to his family, a decision the chief reportedly applauded.
Although Hagan had no job openings at the time, Chief Wayne Hudson decided to tear the German shepherd apart from his old handler so the K-9 could acclimate to the new officer, according to the online petition.
Officer Chad Hagan and his K9 Igor have worked together for more than five years, during which time they have formed an unbreakable family bond. YouTube news/19
When Hagan insisted on adopting Igor, Hudson allegedly quipped that he would approve the offer if the couple continued to work in Shaker Heights for two more years.
The desperate handler argued that the beloved 6-and-a-half-year-old dog was close to retirement and offered to buy him for $10,000 — when the usual price for a retired K-9 is $1 — but was quickly shot down.
“This offer has been denied, due to an obvious act of revenge. Chief Hudson stated, ‘he (K9 Igor) is a tool and no monetary amount will be considered,’” the petition claims.
Chief Wayne Hudson refused to allow the officer to purchase a K9. YouTube News/19
Despite the scathing comments, Hudson allegedly left the meeting giving Hagan hope that his mind could be changed.
When Hagan submitted his resignation around Thanksgiving, however, the chief ruined the holiday by ordering operators to return Igor to the facility.
“Igor is a six-year-old German Shepard and, if his health remains strong, he is expected to be fit for duty, keeping the residents of Shaker Heights safe, for another three or four years. He shows no signs of slowing down,” the city told Ceveland19 in a statement.
The desperate handler argued that the beloved 6-and-a-half-year-old dog was close to retirement and offered to buy it for $10,000. YouTube News/19
Officials insisted that neither Hudson nor the city administration had the authority to sell Igor given his fitness level.
Aside from hoping to retire Igor out of love, the Hagan family argues Igor has slowed down in recent years, estimating he only has a year or two of law enforcement.
Danielle also claims other nearby communities have allowed officers to buy canines even after four years for just $1.
“The Hagan family is the only family K-9 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 facility, lying on a 4×4 concrete pad. because of retaliation by Chief Hudson,” the petition stated.
“The bond that Officer Hagan and K-9 Igor have is beyond what anyone can imagine. K-9 Igor has saved Officer Hagan’s life several times. 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 grief this family has ever experienced.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
