Police officer John Jorgensen is headed back to work with his K-9 unit, a year-and-a-half after his partner dog was stabbed and paralyzed in the line of duty.

Major, a German Shepherd Dog, was stabbed four times by a burglary suspect he pursued in Roseville, Minnesota. Despite rehabilitation, he remained paralyzed and was retired from the force. Jorgensen's wife Heather said putting Major down was never considered. "Oh, no. [That] wasn't an option, even. He's part of our family."

Jorgensen purchased Major from the city of Roseville for a dollar. Major now gets around with a wheelchair and happily awaits his daily walks. He and Jorgensen also recently testified to help change legislation which will make it a felony to intentionally harm a police dog.

As Jorgensen trains with his new partner Otis, he said the experience is bittersweet. Both Otis and Major now live with the Jorgensens. "My son thinks every police officer has two police dogs at home. He's spoiled," laughed John Jorgensen. "We're fortunate that Major survived and I think my family is happy I get to work with another police dog too."

• paralyzed
• german shepherd dog
• K-9
• Roseville
• police
• Minnesota