During the game, Espinoza got shot several times. Although the paint balls are harmless, they can sting. When Espinoza got pelted, he groaned out loud in pain. Fearing his handler was in trouble, Axel smashed out the side window and rushed toward Espinoza. The players couldn't believe it.
All handlers have a story about their dogs' loyalty.
Burpo, the kennel supervisor, keeps a photo album of the dogs he has worked with in the last four years. He said it is the worst feeling for handlers to see their dogs retire, get put on a cargo crate and sent to Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, where it is decided whether the dog becomes a trainer or is euthanized. The new adoption guidelines came too late for Bernie, a Belgian Malinois military dog, whom Burpo has a framed picture of near his desk. The dog had a number of medical problems and could no longer do the job. Burpo wanted to adopt him.