Meet Erik, the charming 7-month-old pup residing in the UK alongside his faithful companion, Flora Neilson.
While Erik may appear serene during his slumbers, there’s more to this furry friend than meets the eye.
According to Neilson, Erik exhibits a penchant for mischief that’s reminiscent of a mischievous monkey. “I think, perhaps, he’s been bred with a monkey,” Neilson remarked to The Dodo. “He continuously seems to be sniffing, hunting out anything that he can put in his mouth on, just like a toddler would. I have to watch him like a hawk.”
Neilson’s vigilance is warranted, as Erik’s playful antics can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes.
Take, for instance, a recent incident where Erik found himself home alone with Flora. Seizing the opportunity, he selected an unconventional chew toy from Neilson’s belongings—a brown permanent marker.
With nimble paws, Erik managed to remove the marker cap and embarked on an impromptu artistic endeavor.
What emerged from his playful exploration was a surprising masterpiece—a self-portrait of Erik, expertly rendered on the couch.
Initially dismissing it as just another mess, Flora’s perspective shifted upon closer inspection. “I didn’t notice his accidental self-portrait until some hours later,” Neilson recalled. “I wasn’t mad.”
For Neilson, such incidents are simply par for the course when caring for a spirited pup like Erik.
Reflecting on the incident, Neilson expressed a sense of understanding and acceptance. “If I was to be mad at the dog for doing stuff he shouldn’t, I’d be mad all day,” she remarked.
In the end, Erik’s mischievous charm remains an integral part of his endearing personality—a fact that Neilson embraces wholeheartedly as she navigates the joys of canine companionship.
