Marines

Xtreme Encounters: The Art of the Dog Attack

16 Jan 2004 | Lance Cpls. Michelle M. Dickson and Megan L. Stiner Marine Corps Base Hawaii

When reminiscing about favorite movies one fine day, a scene from the hit film "Stand By Me" popped into our minds. As we recalled that vivid junkyard scene, we thought to ourselves, what better way to spend an afternoon than to try and re-enact that scene. So, we called the Provost Marshal's Office, and less then a week later, vicious, bloodthirsty dogs were mauling us. No exaggeration whatsoever!As we entered the softball field, visions of the legendary ball-eating dog called "The Beast" from the movie "The Sandlot" flashed through our heads. But that wasn't about to stop us. We more than confidently climbed into our stylish Teflon bite suits, and intently listened to the safety brief.We received common, everyday tips like "Don't stop moving or you'll get bit in the head" and "Roll your shoulders back, so when they bite down they're less likely to grab as much skin," and created a whole new tingly feeling. We could tell this would be an enjoyable experience.Wearing a "bite-proof suit" is also like being in a movie. It is similar to what Eddie Murphy must have felt like in "The Nutty Professor." Invigorating. Then it all unfolds. The first step toward getting bit by a police dog is to slowly walk away from the animal and handler, while listening for a command to begin running. As soon as you take off, a familiar tune blows through the trees: "Bad boys, bad boys, whatcha gonna do? Whatcha gonna do, when they come for you?" And you will never feel more like a renegade, more like one of the many rebels of the world, more like the people portrayed on the television show "Cops." And as that serene, peaceful tune blows through the trees, a new sound is heard in the distance. "Get em! Go boy, go! Yeah-ya!" yelled the handler.Your heart beats a million miles a second as you anticipate the initial lunge of the dog. Then crack! You feel impact, intense pressure from the bite, then the ground. You spit out the dirt you ate when you were knocked off your feet, then wrestle with the dog. Correction, the dog wrestles with whichever one of your limbs it decides to lock its 22,000 pounds of pressure-per-square-inch bone-breaking jaws of death on. Time then ticks away until the animal is called off of you. Meanwhile, onlookers laugh at your expense and pain. The lesson we learned is that you do not want to ever run from the police or military working dogs. Both are trained to the utmost level, and if driven, military working dogs will put you in a bad situation. So, if you ever find yourself in a position that might result in an apprehension by the military K-9 unit, you may want to think back to that timeless tale "Kujo" by the classic horror novelist Stephen King - before you choose to run like a renegade.
Marine Corps Base Hawaii