T.J. Dobbins, a K-9 handler for the Ohio State Highway Patrol is turning in his badge Friday, as he gets set to embark on a new journey.  One that will allow him to train dogs, but more importantly is with his family.

Dobbins and Rexo, a five-year-old Belgian Malinois first united in March of 2017.

"I've spent more time with him over the last three-and-a-half years than I have with my own family.", says Dobbins

Up until this point, the two have trained together, fought crime together...seizing millions of dollars in drugs and cash.  However, Rexo will be moving on to a new handler because Dobbins is retiring.  Dobbins is asking to keep his K-9 who he's grown close to, but according to OSP, Rexo has a lot more work to do.

"Typically if a K-9 is ready to retire then that K-9 is released to the handler if the handler wants him.  In the case of Rexo, we believe that he can transition to another handler, and the fact that he's only 4.5 years old...he's not ready to retire," said Trooper and Public Affairs Commander Craig Cvetan.

Cvetan also notes that the cost of Rexo and other K-9's ranges between 7,500-8,500 dollars, and with training and upkeep it's more than a 15,000 dollar investment.

Rexo is considered an officer for the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and a decision that's out of Dobbin's hands.

"The State Highway Patrol is who paid for the K-9, paid for the training of the K-9, and the upkeep and care of the K-9, so in the end, it's the Highway Patrol's decision if we release the K-9 or keep that dog in service.", added Cvetan.

Dobbins and his family have received overwhelming support on social media platforms like Facebook, and say they'll do whatever it takes.

"I don't know what our next recourse if we're going to have to get an attorney, but we're not going to stop fighting for K-9 Rexo