That K-9 Story May Not Have Happy Ending After All

The story of a retired Ohio police officer trying to buy the K-9 partner he loved like family touched people around the country, but it may not have a happy ending after all. Matt Hickey offered the city of Marietta $3,500 to buy his former partner Ajax, the AP reports. But because the dog was still city property and fit for duty, Hickey was informed he'd have to bid on Ajax at auction. To that end, supporters raised more than $70,000. Then on Tuesday, the city announced a deal wherein Hickey could keep Ajax while serving as a volunteer officer with the auxiliary police. Now Hickey has refused that deal, citing the same health concerns that forced him to retire in the first place. He tells WCMH it wouldn't be smart for him to serve as an officer in any capacity. He's now hoping to find another way to take ownership of Ajax. (More police dog stories.)