Midwest Malinois

My trip to Kansas City last year changed my life. I had recently just gotten out of a four-year relationship and was living alone in large house by myself. I have a severe anxiety disorder which caused me to feel unsafe and rarely sleep. Before my trip, I had spent close to a year researching Malinois breeders; I knew I had found the right one.

Kevin and Joyce Felts (Midwest Malinois) took the time to make sure I was educated on the breed and that the puppy would be going to a loving and “well-prepared” home. When I arrived in Kansas City, Kevin and Joyce were amazing hosts! I was given a tour of Kansas City and taken to a local “favorite” for dinner. They made sure I spent enough time with the puppies to know which one I felt was a great match for me; I immediately connected with Senna. I knew I was a goner as soon as she wrapped her little paws around my ankles and stared up at me with her big brown eyes.

I’ve never traveled with a pet and had no idea how nerve wracking it could be. I checked almost every minute before takeoff to make sure my baby was on the flight. In fact, I was such a basket case, the staff announced over the loud speaker, “To the girl with the puppy: her cute little face is sitting right below your feet!” However, I don’t think I relaxed until she launched into my arms when I took her out of the kennel. As soon as the local police looked into the kennel, I was helped to make sure I got priority parking so I could load her.

Within days Senna and I were inseparable and she was all ready to protect me. A friend as a joke jumped from behind a door and tried to scare me. Senna was quick to react; she launched in the air and was ready to do whatever it took to protect me. Her strong drive and intelligence made her bite work progress quickly and my shoe collection quickly dwindle. I quickly found out she had expensive taste in shoes…she only destroyed my favorites. I’d walk in and find her mid chew on a favorite heel; she’d look up with those big brown eyes and I’d melt.

On my days off, Senna and I make the rounds to my favorite coffee shop, the dog park, and the fire station that I volunteer at. Each place she has treats waiting for her and plenty of pets. She is such a lover, and sometimes attempts to be a “lap dog.” But, as soon as I give her a bite command or one of the fire station guys decides to play attacker, she’s ready to work. A couple of months ago, I started to train her to track. She quickly learned and it’s now hard to hide anything from her …. including my shoes.

Every night I look forward to coming home to my empty house. Senna will patiently wait at my feet until I let her know she can crawl into my lap. My 45 lb. Malinois transforms into a lap dog, she will sit nose to nose with me totally content. She is happy just as long as she is in the same room with me. Even when we are at the dog park, she doesn’t stray too far and checks on me every couple of minutes. Every night I sleep soundly with Senna at my feet. I would never have imagined it was possible to have such a connection with an animal. She is my companion and protector and without a doubt has changed my life.

Stephanie P. and Senna