Junior Maggie Peterson talks about her dog in this edition of Critter Corner. 

What is your pet’s name?

Truman.

When did you get Truman?

I got him in October of 4th grade, so 2018. We think [he’s] 9.5 to 10 years old.

How did you get Truman?

We went to Providence Animal Shelter. We had to battle to get him — there was a couple who wanted him. We got there after school one day, and there was Mr. Benzing with Truman. The Benzings fostered him. 

What is your favorite thing to do with your dog?

I really do enjoy taking him on walks. Sometimes I’ll take him down to my grandparents house. He adores my grandpa. 

How would you describe your bond with Truman?

Very strong. He comes to me when he’s scared. He’s terrified of loud noises in general so he’ll come into my room and hide under my bed. As he’s gotten older, he’s gotten more scared of weather, poor baby. 

Do you have a favorite story about your dog?

This was late elementary school. We had just gotten Truman. My aunt and uncle were on their way out, so my dad went to go get some food. Truman had a history of being a little escape artist at the time. And that’s why the original family gave him up. So he bolted out the door. Truman is a lab-golden retriever mix, and they are very fast. 

He ran all the way from Rutledge to the Morton train tracks. He had bolted out when my dad got back. So my dad dropped the food off on our front porch and sprinted after him. My mom sprints after my dad, and I’m left there as a little fifth grader with my sister who had just started kindergarten. We got him though.