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WENONAH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) — A Pennsylvania transit police officer and his family have been reunited with the police dog they say helped them heal after a son's death.
Abal was returned to the Galanti family home in Wenonah Township, New Jersey on Sunday after a struggle over ownership of the dog with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority.
NJ.com reported that for nearly two weeks, SEPTA maintained Abal, 6, would be transferred to another handler after the unexpected transfer of Officer Richard Galanti.
SEPTA recently reversed its decision and allowed Abal to retire after officials discovered the dog had a back injury. The decision to retire Abal had nothing to do with public outcry and bad publicity, SEPTA said.
Officer Galanti's wife Nicole said the situation was "really frustrating, just because I still don't know why (the transfer) even happened. But I am so grateful to everyone who helped."
More than two dozen people helped the Galanti family celebrate the dog's homecoming, bearing gifts of colorful toys and treats — including a specially made cake for dogs.
Abal has been a constant in the Galanti family's lives, especially following the death of son Ben Galanti, 14, four years ago the family said.
"He's back to his old self," Nicole Galanti said, "chasing squirrels, getting used to being retired."
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