MCLB-Albany dog, Pablo, to receive award from American Kennel Club

MCLB-ALBANY — A Belgian Malinois attached to the Marine Corps Police Department at Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany is being recognized later this year with an American Kennel Club Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence.

Pablo, 9, is handled by Greg Madrid, an officer with the department. The military working dog, certified by the U.S. Air Force as a patrol and explosive detection dog, was up against nine dogs across the country in the “Uniformed Service K-9” division.

Madrid said Pablo was named the winner after his wife put a nomination forward.

“He’s an outstanding dog,” the handler said. “(He stands out because) of his work ethic and all the missions he has done.”

Pablo regularly serves on Secret Service details. He participates in nearly every career day at Albany area schools, and many non-profit and charity events in the community. He is the department’s “show dog,” and has served two tours in Afghanistan.

“He is all around the best dog,” Madrid said. “I couldn’t be more proud. I was very surprised, and it is very well deserved.”

Pablo has been serving at the base for five years, and has been working with Madrid for three years, the handler said.

After he gets fed first thing in the morning, Pablo is typically taken out of the Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee Kennel before arming up and going out to patrol the base — including vehicle sweeps — while also working in training opportunities.

If there is a bomb threat at a nearby school, he may be called in to help establish whether there is a threat.

“If they require support, we go out and support them,” Madrid said.

His length of service makes him one of the more seasoned dogs. He will be up for adoption when he is retired in the next two or three years, at which time Madrid hopes to take the Belgian Malinois home with him.

When Madrid learned about a month ago his partner was being honored, he said he was initially in disbelief.

“I’m more proud of him than anything,” he said. “It is about Pablo and his service.”

Pablo has become known for his consistency. He is good around children, but is able to switch gears and go back to work when duty calls. When there is a need for a dog and a handler from MCLB-Albany to be called in, Pablo and Madrid is the pair usually sent out.

“He’s a good dog, and I’m lucky to be the one to handle him,” Madrid said.

The other divisions for the AKC award are “Service Dog”, “Therapy Dog,” “Search and Rescue Dog” and “Exemplary Companion Dog.” Each recipient will receive $1,000 to be awarded to a pet-related charity of their choice, a one-year pet insurance policy from Pet Partners, Inc. and an engraved sterling silver medallion to be presented in December.

“The AKC is proud to honor Pablo with an AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence,” said Gina DiNardo, a spokeswoman for AKC. “He has served our country with great dedication and is a stellar member of the Albany community.”

Madrid said the $1,000 Pablo is receiving will be going to the Lee County Animal Shelter.

The AKC said the awards are “an annual celebration of canine heroes who inspire us.” Five dogs are recognized each year for the help and support they have provided in their communities. To qualify for the award, dogs must have performed an outstanding or exemplary act that has had a big impact on their community or benefited an individual.

Anyone can submit a dog for consideration, but AKC needs to contact the owner for permission to tell the story, the organization.