MALTESE THE CONSUMMATE CANINE COMPANION
By Larry Stanberry
W hile its exact origin may be widely debated, strong evi- dence indicates an established presence of this tiny canine aristocrat throughout the Mediterra- nean Sea area well over 2,000 years ago. Charles Darwin, the “father of evolution theory”, even suggested that the Maltese may date back as far as 6,000 years! Ancient Greek philosophers Aristotle (~370 BC) and Pliny the Elder (~50 AD) both made references to a small breed of dog that accurately reflect the physical characteristics of our present-day Maltese. And the Roman poet Martial (~70 AD) even published verses extolling the beauty and charm of Issa, the companion pet of his friend, Publius (the Roman Governor of Malta at the time), saying: Issa ismore frolicsome than Catulia’s canary. Issa ismorepure thanawhite dove’skiss. Issa ismoregentle thana virginmaiden. Issa ismoreprecious than jewels for India. Lest thedays that she see light should snatchher fromhimforever, Publiushashadherpicturepainted. This short verse captures the very essence of the Maltese—frolicsome, pure, gentle, and precious—a set of individual characteristics that meld collectively into a most amazing and captivating spirit. Throughout time the Maltese has been labeled with a variety of names. The most relevant and compelling of them is “the Comforter”. At many points in its history the Maltese, due to its tender and nurturing demeanor,
has been attributed with medici- nal qualities—delivering relief and solace through its interaction with people suffering from both physical ailment and emotional distress. But I don’t have to look far back into his- tory. Whenever I experience “a par- ticularly bad day at the office”, upon returning home I sweep the most immediately accessible Maltese up into my arms—either an adult or a pup. Each manipulates one’s psyche in a different fashion, but they both do it equally well. I then settle into a reclining position on the sofa (a most familiar pose, just askmywife) and let the magic begin. With an adult Maltese there is a gen- erally well-established routine. First, we enter into the Greeting phase— that’s where the Maltese boisterously pounces onto my chest and gives me that “I am so glad to see you!” look; immediately followed by the “Where have you been all day?” stare. After a series of requisite “welcome home licks” we transition into the second phase of treatment—diagnosis. My pet cuddles down onto my lap and be- gins to gauge my condition. The most amazing aspect of this phase is how quickly and accurately the Maltese can make this assessment and settle into the most appropriate behavior dependent on my mood. Finally, we transition into the treatment phase. Sensing that I am tired or ailing, my pet remains quite still and simply blesses me with a most adoring gaze, as if to say “I know you are feeling re- ally lousy but I am here for you and you will be better soon”. And, invari- ably, I lose myself in those big, black, round, sensitive eyes and let Maltese
magic erase the worry and woe. Not unlike their human counterparts, you get a most dramatically different course of treatment from a Maltese puppy given a similar situation. The pup simply launches itself into your personal space with wild abandon— licking, rolling, rubbing, and batter- ing your face and hands with its tiny front feet and wickedly wagging tail. While a puppy’s treatment method may be much less sophisticated than that of the adult Maltese, the results are equally predictable. The secret to Maltese puppy magic is in some kind of “spirit transference” or “puppy pos- session”—where the energy, passion, determination, and capricious play- fulness exhibited by the pup simply take up residence in your mind, push- ing all the ill humor away. Aside from its therapeutic value, another characteristic that makes the Maltese a true companion ani- mal is what I affectionately call “You will NEVER be alone again”. This is most particularly true in a single-human household. A Maltese bonds itself very strongly to its hu- man and thrives on a strong emo- tional connection as well as a close physical connection. If you sit on the sofa the Maltese expects to sit on the sofa, too (probably in your lap). If you troupe off to bed, don’t be sur- prised to find your pet beat you to your bedroom. The laundry process, dishwashing, and cooking a meal are all activities that absolutely require close canine supervision. And, un- less you close the door, a trip to the bathroom will never be a private one ever again. Additionally, the slight- est jingle of car keys in your hand will
50 • T op N otch T oys , M ay 2019
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