Donations from 7 Action News viewers help former Inkster Police officer keep his canine partner

INKSTER, Mich. (WXYZ) - Roughly three weeks ago Inkster canine officer Dan Schewe lost his job on the police force after years of service. But even more painful than that was the threat of losing his best friend and partner.

Officer Schewe was told that in order to keep his canine partner Xander, he would have to pay $2,000.

Unable to do that, that's when Dan and his friends put out a plea for help.

Tonight there is a storybook ending to this tale.

It is a special time for the former Inkster canine police officer and his partner.

“I love him like he is one of my kids,” says Schewe . “He goes with me everywhere. he sleeps right next to me at night.”

They have been police partners and best friends for four years now, ever since Xander was just a puppy and they have become incredibly close.

“You know, he's protecting my life on duty and I’ve done the same for him,” says Schewe . “It's just a partnership and a bond that can’t be broken.”

But on June 30th this year that unbreakable bond between policeman and police dog was ripped apart when the Inkster Police Department fired Officer Schewe, one of 39 officers laid off since last November.

But worse than all of that, than losing his job, was that Dan was told in order to keep Xander, he would have to pay the Inkster Police Department $2,000. $2,000 he did not have.

“I was completely heartbroken,” Schewe says. ”I mean, I couldn't believe it because I had been working with him so closely for the last four years.”

That’s when Dan and his friends put out a call for help on Facebook.

Last night, 7 Action News reporter Kimberly Craig did a big story on what was happening to Dan and his dog . At that point, friends of Dan linked that story to a very special fundraising Facebook page.

By 2:00 p.m. today, dozens and dozens of metro Detroiters had contributed money online - raising a total of $2,180, more than enough to make it possible for Dan to buy Xander free and clear once and for all from the Inkster Police Department.

All of which means Dan and his best friend will be together for many, many, many years to come.

“I really appreciate what channel 7 has done for my family,” Dan says. ”I just can not believe the outpouring of support from the community.”