Montgomery County, MD (WMAL) – The online campaign “Bring Chip Home” for a Montgomery County Police Officer was a success. The dog was returned late Monday night after a lengthy, 5-month battle.

Montgomery County Officer Gil Fones made the announcement on a Facebook page supporting his cause.

His K-9 partner, Chip, was removed from the Montgomery County Police Department over the summer and given to a rescue group, the Warrior Dog Foundation.

The Texas-based organization works with former police and military dogs.

Montgomery County Police have said the dog was removed from the police department as a working dog and could not be adopted by Officer Fones or anyone within the community.

“In this case, this dog had to be removed from service due to his dangerous behavior,” said Captain Paul Starks, spokesperson for Montgomery County Police.

However, Officer Fones did not agree with the department’s decision to send his partner to another organization.

A change.org petition was established and received more that 220,000 signatures online.

Officer Fones said he was taken off of the K-9 unit and his dog was seized from him. The police department has maintained that there has been inaccurate information about it’s handling of the matter, particularly on social-media sites.

However, several organizations and other individuals worked to track down Chip.

Fones had to drive at least nine hours to an undisclosed location to reunite with the dog. He said the family that had adopted Chip wanted to remain anonymous.

“It’s a huge void that has been filled by bringing Chip back home,” said Fones.

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