A.K.A. - Malva Viscious, Goo-Bobbie, Mopsie, Muppy, Mipsie, Mips, Boo-Boo, Little Mipsie Boo-Boo, Little Apple Head, Queenbee, Peanut

Malva (who is pictured here with her B.W.) came from a privileged background. She may look a bit like a Chihuahua but is in fact a Mississippi Delta, Faulkner lap-sitting feist. She is a 7th generation Mississippian born into a fine old Delta family. In fact, she was bottle fed by Wilma Gene Rushing, mother of Felder Rushing.

Malva came to live with us when she was about 6 weeks old. She weighed almost 2 pounds. She was as energetic, territorial and driven as a hummingbird. Our large older dogs, Skipper and Sue-Sue, knew that they had a good gig. They were relatively sure that the big people would be angry if they ate the little dog. Consequently, Malva always had her way.

At the communal food bowl, for example, the big dogs patiently waited while Malva daintily chewed her food. Sometimes she took one piece of food across the room to dine in a comfortable chair. If either of the big dogs approached the food bowl she hurled her small body across the room to discipline them. She also fiercely attacked when they came near her tennis ball.

Malva worships the tennis ball (or bally-wall or B.W.). She will fetch it as many times as we toss it. If we are not throwing it enough she will sit at our feet and make anguished moaning noises until we relent. Malva is very clever and talented. Most of her repertoire revolves around the B.W. - catching it on the bounce or knocking over large pails or jars to retrieve it.

She also learned to grudgingly give either of us the sweet kiss. Sometimes as she gives it she growls in her deep throaty voice. She also growls back at the thunder and from beneath the covers when the alarm clock goes off.

When Malva was about a year old, we decided that she should have one litter of puppies. We purchased Dog Boy (pictured at left with Malva by our creek) as Malva's "boy toy" and potential sire for her puppies. Several months later, Malva gave birth to 3 puppies. We kept the oldest girl,Tater Head.

Malva is now 12 years old. She has slowed down but still rules the dog kingdom around here. She is the first to eat. She and her daughter Tater are so butch that they both hike a leg when peeing. In short, she is the unofficial alpha male.

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