California K-9 Separated from Handler Suffering Anxiety

San Francisco Police Officer Val Kirwan and his K-9 partner of two years retired together on Friday. Baro was supposed to accompany Kirwan home.

Instead, Baro is in a cage—suffering separation anxiety—and Kirwan is trying to cut through the red tape that is preventing him from being together with his partner, according to KGO-TV .

“He’s been part of my life 24/7. I go to work with him every day. When we’re not at work he’s around the house. Wherever I go he's with me,” Kirwan said.

Kirwan said that the paperwork to retire together was filled out weeks ago and verbal approval had been given.

Now, Kirwan worries the two will never see each other again.

The department has so far declined comment.