Central Ohio’s early European settlers largely fell into the broad category of Scots-Irish. Later waves of immigration brought sizable numbers of Germans and Italians—hence German and Italian Villages in the middle of Columbus.

Catherine and Greg Myers have a true central Ohio dog. He’s a German breed with an Italian name and a Scottish nickname. Oh—and he lives in the very Irish-themed suburb of Dublin.

Mack is a 5-year-old schnauzer. That’s the German and Scottish connection. His full name is Sir Paolo Machiavelli of Union County—that’s Italian! He’s also everything you want in a Midwestern pet: gregarious, loyal, occasionally loud, romantic and a tremendous athlete. Perfect!

Mack came from a breeder Catherine and Greg know in Indiana, and he’s the fifth schnauzer they’ve owned. So, they know a thing or two about the breed. Mack moved to Columbus from Cincinnati, where he lived in a high rise on the Ohio River. He loved riding the elevator and getting treats from the apartment manager.

In his new local digs, Mack likes to play in water. “He sometimes thinks he’s a Labrador retriever,” quips Catherine. Hide and seek and fetch are popular pastimes, and Mack loves car rides. “We love to go on walks and bark at other dogs in the neighborhood,” says Catherine.

The dogs in the ’hood include next-door neighbor Reggie the corgi and Theo the cavalier spaniel, Mack’s best friend. “Mack is also in love with Millie, the Scottish terrier,” says Catherine. “The feeling isn’t mutual, which makes him sad.” There is no greater disappointment than unrequited puppy love.

Around the house, Mack is smart and athletic. “He can jump very high and bark louder than other dogs,” says Catherine. “He always lets us know when someone is outside, because he loves to bark.” He is very friendly, loves people and loves to snuggle. His favorite dog snack is Blue Buffalo health bars—or anything his human family is eating.

Mack has been there for life’s joyful everyday moments, but he has also been a steady presence during the difficult ones. Mack loves Top Dog Daycare who took Mack as a customer—Catherine believes he was their very first overnight kennel guest at the Plain City location—at a very sad time for their family. Her father was in the hospital in Wisconsin, and she had to drop everything and run to be with him. In the middle of heartbreak and urgency, Top Dog stepped in and cared for Mack without hesitation. “I appreciate their help at a very sad time, and that meant the world to me,” she says. “They are a wonderful provider of dog boarding services.” Knowing Mack was safe and well cared for gave the Myers family peace of mind when they needed it most.

For all the things he’s got, Mack is lacking one thing. “Mack is an only dog and wants a puppy brother or sister,” says Catherine. “Mack is a loving, loyal friend and companion, and I couldn’t imagine life without him.”

If you get a chance to meet Mack, maybe you can suggest a suitable sibling for the Myers family pet. Note that they have an affinity for schnauzers!