MARIETTA (AP) — A recently retired Ohio police officer says he rejected an offer to keep his K-9 partner by working as a volunteer.

Marietta officials have said they didn’t intend to separate Matt Hickey from his dog. They say he can keep Ajax if Hickey works as an unpaid auxiliary officer.

But Hickey said he retired in January out of health concerns. He said he hasn’t worked since July due to neck and shoulder injuries.

The story of Hickey and his K-9 partner drew public attention after Marietta rejected Hickey’s $3,500 offer to buy Ajax and said the dog would need to be auctioned because Ajax was city property and could still work.

Hickey said he plans to bid on the dog.