Maximus, Cumberland’s town mascot, recently celebrated his second birthday at the community’s Monster Dash event.
Submitted photo
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter occasionally shares pictures and stories of local animals and their owners. Here, Julie Patterson, communications and special events coordinator for the town of Cumberland, shares about her dog Maximus. Maximus is the town’s mascot, or #Maxcot, and is a Whoodle – a Wheaton Terrier/Poodle mix. Maximus just celebrated his second birthday at the Monster Dash event earlier this month.
Daily Reporter: How did Maximus become the town mascot?
Julie Patterson: It was a collaboration of thoughts and ideas within town administration to engage the community of Cumberland. He also wanted to spend more time with Mommy at Town Hall and at events.
DR: Can you describe his personality?
JP: Maximus is high energy but has had puppy, intermediate, and advanced obedience training classes. He mostly obeys commands but the terrier in him sometimes overrides his good intentions, especially when he sees squirrels and bunnies on the Pennsy Trail. He is very friendly and likes to sniff and lick Cumberland residents that he meets.
DR: What are his official town duties?
JP: He makes special appearances at Town events and hangs out at Town Hall. He enjoys the attention he gets and looks forward to his annual birthday celebration each year.
DR: Tell us about his birthday.
JP: His celebration coincides with the Town’s annual Monster Dash 5k and Kids Dash, typically the 3rd Saturday in October. Kids and adults enjoy free cupcakes and cake in his honor. They also enjoy taking pictures with Max, petting him, and singing “Happy Birthday”!
DR: What do you hope Maximus does for the town of Cumberland?
JP: Improve community relations through the power of the human-dog connection.
