Recently retired Marietta officer Matt Hickey has offered to buy the dog for $3,500 -- the police dog’s estimated value -- but the city said Ajax must be sold at auction because he’s public property, according to a report from The Associated Press.

Any excess funds raised on the GoFundMe page will go toward buying protective vests for other K-9 officers, according to the AP.

In an interview with WBNS-TV in Columbus, Hickey said he has cared for the dog for three years and that he's like a family member.

Marietta officials said they’ll only allow a police officer, active or retired, or a trainer of police dogs to bid on Ajax, according to the AP.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP