Ernie’s hu-Maher and cheeky antics

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.

“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.“

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."

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.”

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.”

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.