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Ernie’s hu-Maher and cheeky antics

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Say cheese: Bonnie, 2, Grace, Eden, 5, and Ernie Maher. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Ernie is making waves with his unique blend of Labrador, golden retriever and husky genes.

At six-and-a-half years old, his cheeky and charming quirks make him a perfect member of the Maher family.

Bouncing high: Bonnie, 2, Ernie and Eden, 5, enjoy the trampoline on a sunny day. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Originally adopted from a Gumtree listing at the young age of 12 weeks, Ernie's appearance can be deceiving.

“His mum was a Labrador-cross-golden retriever and his dad was a husky, so he's got one random patch of husky fur on his back," owner Grace Maher said.

As the stereotype goes, Ernie is full of beans.

“He’s a crazy dog, full of energy,” Grace said.

But some of his favourite activities are out of the box, including his acrobatic prowess and water adoration.

Catch this: Eden and Ernie play fetch in the garden. Photo by Djembe Archibald

“His favourite things to do are play ball, frisbee and jump on the trampoline with the girls (daughters Bonnie and Eden),” Grace said.

"He will play ball until exhaustion and still want another go.“

Caught: Ernie interfering with the bucket to cool himself down. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Between rounds of fetch, Ernie will go over to his favourite bucket and start splashing water around everywhere, including on the floor and anyone nearby.

"He gets in the bucket, has a drink, puts his feet in, splashes around, and drinks foot water."

"He doesn't like baths or pools; he hates water except for his bucket."

Cheeky: Ernie cools himself off in the bucket. Photo by Djembe Archibald

On the flip side, Ernie loves hamburgers.

“His favourite toy was a (squeaky) hamburger, and we got him seven for Christmas," Grace said.

“He didn’t know what to do with them all so we put them away and brought them out one at a time so whenever he broke one, he’d have another.”

Good boy: Ernie is six-and-a-half years old. Photo by Djembe Archibald

Ernie uses his toys to force whoever mows the lawn to stop and instead give him attention.

“He’s smart,” Grace said.

“When (Eden and Bonnie’s) dad mows the lawn, he puts the ball in front of the lawn mower so he has to get off.”

Besties: Eden, 5, with Ernie. Photo by Djembe Archibald

His love for human friends does not always translate for any four-legged buddies trying to be social, but like all of us, he tries his best.

“We took him for a walk one day and he got a bit frightened by another dog so he’s a bit funny around other dogs,” Grace said.

“So he likes a 10.30 at night walk.”

Overall, Ernie is a nervous, energetic, cheeky, acrobatic, but good, boy who loves his family and the family love him.

On the move: Ernie is very serious about his fetch skills. Photo by Djembe Archibald
Cooling off: Eden and Ernie enjoy each other’s company in the shade. Photo by Djembe Archibald
Eyes on the prize: Ernie eyes up the ball before it’s thrown. Photo by Djembe Archibald