You know that weird feeling you've been feeling around Concord recently? The one that feels like a sea change of epic proportions has taken place, but you just can't put your finger on it? Well, it probably stems from the changing of the guard in the canine mayor's office. Victoria and Nelson are out and Merlin is in. (And, of course, some $400-plus was raised for the SPCA in the process). We've got the first interview with Merlin right here!
What are some of the major platforms of your campaign?
My hope is in the next year as Canine Mayor of Concord, I can educate both humans and canines on how to work with each other in fun and motivating ways. I also want to stop breed discrimination and work on educating little humans (I think you call them “kids”) on safety around us canines so we can avoid more accidents and live in harmony.
Do you have any plans to work with the feline mayor, or will you be bitter rivals?
Well, I think Ronnie probably outweighs me, so it would be safer to work with him rather than against him. He's a handsome fellow too.
Last year's co-canine mayors were Victoria, a basset hound and Nelson, a great dane. Will your comparatively diminutive stature be a handicap in your ability to govern, or does it provide benefits?
Being small has its benefits. One of which is that I can sneak in and out of places quickly and usually without being noticed. My bodyguard, Atlas, a German Shepherd, envies me because of this.
What are some qualities of a papillon that will make you an effective mayor?
I have giant satellite ears that allow me to evesdrop easily. But I think being a dog is what makes me a great mayor, not my breed. We don't care what you look like, what you do or how much money you make, we just want you to be happy and love us, and we will love you and stand by your side unconditionally every day. We find joy in the little things and live life to the fullest every day. Humans could learn a little something from us canines.
What's your stance on mailmen?
Mailmen don't scare me. In fact I rather enjoy it when they come around because sometimes it means I have a package!
It's said that Marie Antoinette marched to the guillotine with her papillon under her arm. Do you expect your term in office to end in a revolution of some sort? Also, can we eat cake?
I hope my term ends with a revolution in the way dogs and humans interact and work with each other. As for cake, I've never tried the stuff, you humans eat some strange things.
How does it feel to be the first canine mayor that could fit inside a handbag?
It feels great! I hope to travel during my year and a handbag would be riding in style!
Given that the presidential election is right around the corner, care to make an endorsement of a candidate?
I'm not sure what a “president” is, but I do know that I heard my human talking about one of the “candidates” – if thats what you humans call them – driving a long way somewhere with his dog strapped to the roof of his car. I certainly wouldnt want to be a dog in that household!
Your campaign manager is Helen Nicholls of No Monkey Business Dog Training. Is she really running the show as your trusted advisor, sort of like a Dick Cheney situation?
My human and I are a great team, and I'm pretty sure she's never shot anyone!
What training techniques have helped you in your political career?
I know lots of fun tricks that make humans laugh, and had to shake a lot of paws and hands to get here, but it was worth it!
