Maverick is a very engaging seven year old. This former Florida resident is now a proud Bay Stater and, to hear him tell it, he’s thrilled to be here. We ran into him last week in Boston and immediately struck up a conversation. So, you’re a Belgian Malin-ar...
“A Belgian Mal-in-wah, spelled M-a-l-i-n-o-i-s. I’m a breed of shepherd that goes back hundreds of years. My great, great grandfather was a well-known herding dog in his village. Today, though, many of us get involved in police work and search-and-rescue.”
Wow! Very well said. We understand your favorite toy is a squirrel, but that it’s led to a fascination with real squirrels. Is that true?
“Well, I ah-h-h...yes, I do like to pursue the little critters. I’m pretty quick, too! I’ve managed to– how should I put this– catch up to them, once or twice. What can I say? I’m a very high-energy kinda guy. I love the chase!”
You’re also very friendly. I mean, we’ve just met, and you already feel like an old friend. Amazing!
I know you have to head home soon and will be riding the T. Are you a good passenger?
“Oh, the train! It’s... very, very exciting! Let me put this way, even if I don’t see something, I say something! And, it's so hard to stop! I’m still working on it.”
As we said goodbye, I couldn’t help but wonder if this inquisitive, intelligent, focused, involved, curious, and outspoken Belgian Malinois might actually be able to land a gig as a talk show host. Stranger things have happened.
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Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011 Penny Cherubino
