Thank you for the "Doggy Boot Camp" story you wrote in Torch on the military working dogs and their training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Working with these dogs every day is an incredibly rewarding experience, and seeing this story made my chest swell with pride for these troops.
I just wanted to leave you one little "editor's" note on the story: They're Belgian Malinois, not malimars. I'm not sure if you meant to include the nickname as is or just forgot to write in the actual breed name.
Thanks again for the heartening feature!
Heather Rowan
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas
You're right regarding the Belgian Malinois. According to an American Belgian Malinois Club representative, Belgian "malimar" is a nickname, as opposed to the American Kennel Club official breed.
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The stories and photographs on your "Doggy Boot Camp" cover story were fantastic. I've encountered some aggressive dogs in my time, so I even enjoyed your tips on avoiding dog bites. Your reference to dogs reacting like wolves if you "run like a scared rabbit" is spot on. I should know, I've been the rabbit a time or two. On that note, I especially got a kick out of the accompanying article "Arthur Is King." Letting yourself get attacked by a trained guard dog? That's really going above and beyond to tell the story in my book.
Mike Noland
Via e-mail