38 PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM {punchline} calling all dogs If you’ve got quirky habits or a funny tale (or tail) to tell, email hello@punchmonthly.com for a chance to share a page from your Diary of a Dog in PUNCH. Iwas named for the heroine of the classic children’s book, and while I may lack my namesake’s prodigiousness, my lively spirit more than makes up for it. I’m Mathilda, a four-year-old bernadoodle (half Bernese mountain dog, half poodle) born at Swiss Ridge Kennels in Ontario. Because the U.S.- Canada border was closed during the pandemic, my journey to Menlo Park was complicated. I was driven mathilda DIARY OF A DOG as told to MARGARET KOENIG • photography by ROBB MOST to the border and met by a “puppy nanny” who spent the night with me in Buffalo, New York, before flying to SFO. Robin, who had been kept informed of every detail of my journey, met us at the airport. We were equally excited to finally meet each other! My life with Robin in Menlo Park can be summed up as snooping, socializing and spinning. My favorite activity is sitting high on a hill where I can watch over the world (and spy on everyone I see). I love to meet and play with humans and dogs alike. There’s a transitional home for young adults up the street, and when I meet them on walks, I freely bestow my kisses and affections. I’m equally excited to interact with fellow dogs. The neighborhood knows me for my pirouettes, when I throw myself into the air in greeting. My energetic nature has occasionally led me into trouble. I failed a Canine Good Citizens class after launching myself at the examiner and, in Robin’s words, “going ballistic” on a rescue dog that had been brought in to test everyone. They promised I could try again when I’m older. Until then? I’ll be right here, keeping an eye on everyone and happily twirling.
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