A former police officer and his beloved K9 partner were reunited Wednesday after a bitter custody battle with a Michigan city.
Former police officer Hayden Wildfong was given permission this week to officially adopt K9 Tamarack, who he had been living with for several weeks after submitting his resignation to the Mason Police Department last month.
“This is one of the best feelings in the world and one of the best days of my life. I have spent countless hours working on this dog and I am finally closing this chapter. You can finish and move on.” Wildfong told WILX.
Wildfong had been asking to take her best friend home for the past two weeks, but the city denied two of his requests to remove the puppy from her post.
The City of Mason has denied the right to keep the dog after the former trainer took a leave of absence and subsequently quit his job after the city said the former trainer irresponsibly removed his gun belt and left it unattended during a visit to Mason High School. He claimed that there was no.
Mr. Wildfong later said he resigned against his will only because he thought he could take Mr. Tamarack with him.
The repeated refusals sparked protests across the city, prompting dozens of disgruntled local residents to call a city council meeting to reunite the pair.
Officials initially said Tamarack was considered city property, but they ended up surrendering the dog to the Ingham County Animal Shelter.
Luckily, Wildfong jumped at the opportunity and officially applied to adopt her best friend.
“We have already received an application for approval from the former caretaker and will be reunited tomorrow,” the shelter said in a statement on Tuesday. On facebook.
heartwarming video The reunion showed Tamarack, who spotted Wildfon for the first time in weeks, eagerly flying towards him.
The puppies hugged and pounced on their handlers, and the two shared a kiss, but Tamarack’s tail wagged so violently that the shelter worker who led the dog outside accidentally dropped his leash. .
Wildfong told WILX he feels like a huge weight has been lifted off his shoulders.
“I’m going to go home and play Frisbee, probably in the morning until the sun comes up,” he said.
