When Amy Sharp went to pick up her Alaskan Malamute puppy, she never imagined that the cute 'teddy bear' with fluffy ears and tiny paws would end up becoming a dog larger than many ponies. Today, five years later, Mal weighs around 82 kilos and doesn't go unnoticed on the streets of Bourne, England.
"His collar is the size of a belt," jokes 27-year-old Amy in an interview with the BBC. "We never thought he would grow to be so big," she adds.
Mal has had a significant impact on Amy's life. Their walks have become a local spectacle, although according to his owner, they are not easy due to his strength, comparable to that of a draft horse, and his stubborn character. "People always ask me who is walking whom. And when we pass by cars, you see people turning their heads as if to say, 'What did I just see?'" she recounts.
Alaskan Malamutes are a breed originating from northwest Alaska, where the Inuit Mahlemut tribe bred them to pull sleds in extreme conditions. Endowed with great endurance and strength, they are considered the "all-terrain vehicles" of Arctic dogs.
The PDSA organization has told the BBC that these animals usually weigh between 34 and 39 kilos, well below what Mal has reached. Their dense fur is designed to withstand subzero temperatures, although in Mal's case, what it resists the most is attempts to be brushed.
"At first, we didn't realize how much he was growing until he started breaking harnesses and making collars too small. He just kept getting bigger... and bigger," Amy recalls.
One of the biggest challenges has not been his size, but his daily care. Recently, Amy had to ask for help on social media to find a dog groomer willing to brush him.
The post went viral, and hundreds of people reacted, some with surprise, others eager to help. Even days later, while waiting at a salon, a customer asked her if she had seen the post about the "giant dog on Facebook." "I said: that's mine!", Amy recounts with laughter.
Those who have had a Malamute know that their personality can be as dominant as their size. Mal is no exception. Amy mentions that after walks, he often refuses to go back home. He sits in the middle of the sidewalk, and there's no way to move him. "Neighbors come out and try to convince him. But he just lies down and looks at you as if to say, 'I'm not ready to go back yet'."
"He's a gentle giant. However, it's essential to research thoroughly before having a dog like him. It's not for everyone. But in my case, Mal and I have become inseparable."
While posing with her dog, who towers over her by more than a head when standing, Amy concludes with a final statement, a mix of pride and absolute affection: "It's Mal's world. We're just passing through".