BEDFORD HEIGHTS, Ohio — K-9 concerns continue in Bedford Heights as some in the community are afraid police will euthanize K-9 Bosco, whose handler is leaving.
While the Bedford Heights Police Department has told 3News they won't be putting the dog down, they've been made a new offer regarding the K-9's future.
Wednesday, two organizations made a collaborative offer to Bedford Heights PD to buy and completely train a new K-9 for the department if they release Bosco to his handler of the last five years who wants to make him his personal dog.
"Bosco was the first dog that our organization was able to vest. We provided him with a protective vest for while he's on duty," Trish Kilroy, founder of Protecting Ohio K9 Officers, said. "I love him. I go twice a year. I bring cookies for the dog. I bring him Christmas presents."
Kilroy expressed to 3News that she only wants what's best for Bosco, which as of late means keeping him with who he's familiar with.
Bosco's former handler, ex-Bedford Heights Police Department Officer Ryan Kaetzel, is transferring police departments and wants to make the K-9 his personal dog when he leaves. Kaetzel claims he and the chief were working a deal for this to happen until he filed a lawsuit against the department on July 19 for unpaid overtime.
Wednesday, both Kilroy and Buckeye Area Regional K9 made Bedford Heights PD an offer.
"To provide a dog to Bedford Heights free of charge, including the training and certifications," Kilroy explained.
This is their offer if they give Bosco to Kaetzel, with Kilroy believing the 7-year-old dog shouldn't be kept from his best friend.
"I'll be heartbroken," she said. "I really think Bosco is at an age where it's probably a good time for him to retire. I think there's benefits of Bedford Heights getting a new dog because this dog can build a bond and a relationship with his handler. Bosco has a relationship with Ryan, but you don't know if that relationship or that bond is going to transfer over to a new handler."
WKYC spoke with the Bedford Heights Assistant Police Chief Dave Leonardi on Wednesday. He told us the department will soon be releasing a statement that should address this offer along with other community concerns surrounding the situation.