VALLEY, Neb. —The Valley City Council has voted to allow K-9 Sonic to retire and remain with his former handler, James Deemer, following public outcry over the dog’s separation, KETV reported.
Deemer, who worked with Sonic for nearly three years before retiring last spring, requested to keep him and even offered to cover all associated costs, but the city initially denied his request, according to the report. Sonic was then housed in a kennel, where concerns arose about his wellbeing, though the kennel owner denied claims of neglect.
“Once you make that partnership up, if you will, and you work with him every day, and you ride around with him every day, and you train with him and whatnot, it’s, it’s like you’re losing part of your family,” Deemer told KETV.
While the council voted 3-1 in favor of allowing Sonic to retire with Deemer, Mayor Cindy Grove vetoed the decision, saying the city should follow legal advice to keep Sonic on duty.
“Police canine experts have evaluated and indicated Sonic continues to be fit for narcotics duty,” Grove said. “In addition, Code2 K9 owner Ed Van Buren has stated that Sonic was bred and trained to work, and little could help his stress other than putting him back to work. Therefore, I’m unsure if retiring and taking away Sonic’s ability to work is in the best interest of the dog.”
The city council then vetoed the mayor’s veto decision, officially passing the resolution.
“The only handlers ever been certified for him is Deemer,” said Melanie Hayden, a Valley City Council member. “He trained that dog. He did not come pre-trained. He raised that dog. I know that that dog has a seat at the table. I’ve seen photos, there’s actually a chair at the kitchen table.”
“I’m excited to get him back and give him the best life that he has on my farm,” Deemer said. “Let him be able to just relax and enjoy his days.”
