I have been recieving a lot of messages the last few days regarding K-9 Abal's return home. Requests for pictures, and videos, of the homecoming. Along with questions as to why I haven't shared the amazing news. There have been news stories published and congratulations offered to our family, after all. Why are we quiet? As always, we appreciate all of the continued support and outpouring immensely! I didn't want to say anything until it was certain and confirmed. As, I sit here to write this, I wish with all my heart, I could say Abal is home but, he's NOT. We have not heard anything. We haven't spoken with anyone from SEPTA. There are no instructions on how or when Abal will be returned to us. I did recieve two voicemail messages from a media relations representative on 4/13/18 at aprox. 5:25 pm and then again at 5:39 pm. (I was having dinner with my dad and kids, and didn't hear the phone). The messages did not say anything regarding Abal and only instructed me to call him back if I got the message in the next couple of minutes. He stated that he was leaving the office in the next couple of minutes. I called back, however my call went directly to voicemail several times. On Friday 4/13/18 at about 5:40 p.m. I recieved a call from a local reporter congratulating me. Confused, I asked him why he was congratulating me. He then went on to tell me SEPTA released a public relations statement on Twitter. He was as surprised as I was that our family the FOTP or my husband who was at work at the time, was not informed. He then sent me the release. It reads: SEPTA Update Regarding K9 Abal – April 13, 2018 When SEPTA Transit Police K9 Abal began training with his new handler, it was noticed that he was having some difficulties physically performing his duties. A subsequent evaluation by doctors at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital revealed that he has a degenerative bulging disc in his back. Abal has been treated by the doctors, and is resting comfortably. Due to the strenuous nature of the work required of a dual-purpose explosive detection and patrol K9, SEPTA, in consultation with the doctors at Penn, today made the decision to retire Abal from active duty. As a pet, Abal should have a healthy future ahead of him, and SEPTA is grateful for his service over the last five years. Abal will be made available for adoption to the family of his former handler, Ofc. Richard Galanti. SEPTA is moving quickly to find a replacement for Abal. The SEPTA Transit Police Department has built a robust K9 Unit to help ensure the safety and security of the riding public. From clearing unattended bags to assisting with patrols throughout SEPTA’s vast transit system, dogs like Abal are critical to keeping our riders moving, safely, every day. ### Andrew Busch Chief Press Officer - SEPTA 1234 Market Street, 10th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107 (215) 580-7842 abusch@septa.org My husband was working Friday, no word to him, no email. The FOTP was not contacted regarding K-9 Abal's return and in fact, both my husband and the FOTP found out from me. Again, I haven't heard from anyone at SEPTA, this message was apparently Tweeted as a press release. I want to believe it is true that they are returning K-9 Abal home. We are excited to see him. They say he is hurt which is confusing and scarey for us but that can be handled once he's home where he is loved and treasuered. I have attached a few news articles regarding K-9 Abals return if you would like to read them. I will keep everyone updated and share as soon as we know something for sure. Thank you all for all of the support and well wishes for K-9 Abal and our family! We could never do this without you! http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/stu_bykofsky/septa-k-9-officer-abal-galanti-nestel-20180414.html http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2018/04/did_cop_lose_his_beloved_dog_because_of_petty_fight_over_jacket_his_union_thinks_so.html http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/04/beloved_police_dog_returning_to_cops_family_after_10_days_of_outcry.html