It is howling-iday miracle!
An Ohio police officer is 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 buy a K-9, a six-year-old German Shepherd named Igor, just in time for the dog to come home for the holidays.
“We’re happy to have our family back for Christmas,” an excited Hagan told Fox 8 on Friday.
The family will purchase Igor from the Shaker Heights Police Department for $16,500, which will go toward training new dogs and other officers.
During the council meeting, Hagan’s former police chief, Wayne Hudson, recommended an amendment be made to the current city law to allow K-9s, still eligible for duty, to be sold to their previous handlers in exchange for a going price. replace them.
The vote passed unanimously while Hagan watched the session on Zoom.
Chad Hagan worked with Igor for five years before he left his current policing show for another closer to home. Facebook
Hagan was then informed that ownership of Igor would be transferred to him, and that he could take his canine companion for the day.
“On behalf of Officer Chad Hagan, Jr. and his family, I am pleased to announce that Hagan’s canine partner, Igor, will be home today thanks to the City of Shaker Heights’ willingness to work together to address the complexities and find a legal way to balance the Hagan family’s wishes and the City’s responsibilities,” said the family’s lawyer in a statement given to the outlet.
“The Hagan staff, Igor and the entire Hagen family are truly grateful for all the support they have received.”
Hagan was told he had to relinquish his ownership of Igor to the city, and could not purchase the pouch because his former police department believed the K-9 was still fit for service. Facebook/Fox 8 News
The exciting reunion came with lots of kisses and tears of joy from Igor, who had spent more than two weeks in the barn when the family had to give him up after Thanksgiving.
“He was excited, he jumped on us,” Chad’s wife, Danielle Hagan, told the outlet. “Honestly, he could care less about me. He was jumping all over Chad, just so excited to see us.”
The pair worked together for more than five years before Hagan transferred to a different police department to be closer to his family.
After much pressure and persistence against the city, Hagan was allowed to buy Igor from the city. Facebook/Fox 8 News
The desperate handler argued that his canine partner was close to retirement and offered to buy him for $10,000 – when the usual price for a retired K-9 is just $1 – but was quickly shot down after the department believed Igor was still fit for service.
During that time, they formed an unbreakable family bond.
“It was really hard for him, just being away from his best friend,” Danielle told the outlet.
“The dog he’s been with every day for the past five and a half years, it’s a lot.”
Despite the high selling price, no dollar amount held compared to Hagan and Igor’s love for each other.
“Whatever we have to do to get Igor back is what we’re going to do,” Hagan’s wife shared, adding that the family “appreciates the city of Shaker Heights” for allowing the sale.
Hagan shared that she and her family were happy to be able to bring her ex-partner home for Christmas. Facebook/Fox 8 News
Community members, also moved by the partners’ bond, created a GoFundMe called “Bring K-9 Igor Home” and raised nearly $13,000 to reunite the two.
“We truly appreciate the love of animals that has inspired so many people from across the country and beyond to share their thoughts on this situation,” Shaker Heights Mayor David Weiss told the outlet.
“Our ordinance, which reflects long-standing state law known to Officer Hagan, does not provide authority to address situations where a police officer leaves the department prior to their dog’s retirement. The Council’s action today to amend the ordinance allows a good resolution to be reached today.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
