Maltichi - Giorgio

by Camilla
(Tampa, FL, USA)

Giorgio is our four-year-old Maltichi. Our Maltese Chihuahua mix weighs almost four pounds and his fur will grow very long (like a Maltese's) if we let it, but we keep him groomed. His veterinarian is always surprised how well his teeth are holding up -- evidently small dogs, particularly maltese, suffer from early tooth and gum disease. Giorgio is sweet and quiet, unless he feels we (his family) are being threatened. Recently, Giorgio was downstairs while the rest of our family (two parents, three kids) readied ourselves to go into the backyard to play. Giorgio began barking and growling loudly. We called to him, but he continued barking enthusiastically and even began scratching the sliding glass doors leading to our backyard. We finally came down to see what the problem was and were greeted by a five-foot long water moccasin (poisonous snake) on our back patio. Giorgio was warning us against going outside. At the time my youngest was 5, and he may not have noticed the snake in his rush to go out and play -- so we credit our Maltichi Giorgio for his heroics that day.