HomeMy WebLinkAboutEPD_K-9IkeRetires
City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 Fax 952-826-0389 EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina K-9 Ike Retires Due To Medical Disorder
Edina, Minn., Sept. 12, 2017 — Edina Police K-9 Ike retired Friday, Sept. 8, after being diagnosed with
Idiopathic Epilepsy.
“I am super bummed about Ike having to medically retire so soon after all of the hard work and dedication we
have both put in making him the awesome partner he is/was,” said Ike’s handler, Officer Mike Bengtson. “On
the other hand, I completely understand and agree with the decision. He is still an excellent dog with a lot of
energy and drive, which I don't foresee that changing anytime soon.”
Bengtson said after the two have bonded over the year that he would like to continue to care for Ike as a pet.
However, Ike is under warranty from the K-9 vendor. In order to receive a new K-9 at no cost, the City
would have to surrender Ike to the vendor. The Edina Crime Prevention Fund has started a Go Fund Me
account -- at gofundme.com/edinak9ike -- to raise money to keep Ike with Bengtson and purchase a new K-9.
Bengtson, who would like to continue serving as a K-9 handler, will have to repeat the 12-week K-9 class in
the spring with the new K-9.
“I am proud of what Ike accomplished and I can only hope the next dog has the same drive and personality Ike
has,” said Bengtson. “Also, the outpouring of support from the Edina Crime Prevention Fund Board, the
Police Department and City have been amazing!”
Ike, a German Shepherd, was born in the Netherlands in May 2016, and joined the Police Department January
2017, where once finished with training, hit the streets with Bengston in June this year.
The Edina Crime Prevention Fund supports the K-9 program and provides the funding to purchase the dogs,
as well as support them throughout retirement. Any money donated over the GoFundMe goal will be used to
pay for Ike’s Epilepsy medication and expenses throughout retirement.
For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
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