Walensten Anak Robert Apun is a cynologist with at least 18 years of experience in the Malaysian military.
In 2019, his manager told him that he was assigned to take care of Loki, an 8-month-old Belgian Malinois who was feared by everyone.
Indeed, the dog reacted to people and therefore did not allow him to be approached or trained.
“I remember how I hesitated when I saw him for the first time. We looked at each other and I slowly walked over to him. But for some reason he didn’t jump on me,» Valensteen said.
The 37-year-old player then got to know his new friend better through the game.
“That’s when he started wagging his tail and I got better,” he said.
Since then, the duo have worked together but have also solidified their complicity.
Unique friendship
The owner and his dog very quickly began training to search for explosives.
“For example, first we put loads inside the car. Then we will invite Loki, who had to sit down when he found the powder, — explained Valensten.
Since then, the duo have been practicing their skills on high-risk missions.
In their free time, Valensten and Loki enjoy long walks around the base of Ulu Thiram in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, playing ball together or swimming on the beach.
If Loki has changed in the company of his master, then everything is not so with the visitors.
“He won’t let anyone touch him. If someone tries to hold on to the leash, they will bite him. Moreover, he does not tolerate anyone approaching me, ”Valensten said.
However, this beautiful friendship may soon come to an end. Indeed, Walensteen plans to leave the army soon in order to devote more time to his family.
Unfortunately, the Malaysian government does not allow him to leave with his faithful four-legged friend.
Therefore, he searched in vain for a new cynologist to replace him. The community affected by their story is now campaigning for an exception to be made.
