With a name like Maple Bacon Donut, it's no surprise this 4-year-old Golden Retriever is impossible to forget.

Known simply as Maple, this sweet Belle Haven pup got her unique name from her beautiful golden coat and sugary personality. Her full name is a nod to a favorite childhood treat of her family's daughter: a maple bacon donut.

Maple may look like a classic Golden Retriever, but she has a surprisingly strong hunting instinct. Squirrels, deer, foxes—you name it, she's interested. In fact, she's the only Golden Retriever her family has ever had with such a passion for the chase. Her hunting résumé already includes two squirrels and one chicken. Fortunately for her prey, Maple catches them with a remarkably soft mouth, and each was eventually released unharmed after a little coaxing.

When she's not patrolling for backyard wildlife, Maple can often be found on the water. She loves paddle boarding and has mastered the art of standing confidently on a board as it glides across the water. Even more impressive, she can step from one floating paddle board to another without falling in—or knocking anyone else off balance.

Summer is Maple's favorite season. She loves boating trips and never misses an opportunity to jump off the boat and swim in the lake. While the humans float on pool noodles, Maple insists on carrying one of her own in her mouth so she can be part of the fun.

Like many dogs, Maple is a fan of toys, but only if they squeak—and the louder, the better. Her favorite treats include chicken, salmon, and steak, and the occasional pup cup.

Although she enjoys visits to Old Town and the waterfront, where she's always a hit with passersby, Maple is happiest when she has room to run. A friend's large backyard is one of her favorite places, offering endless opportunities to sprint, play, and pursue squirrels. She's also lucky to have plenty of neighborhood canine companions, including Judge, Cannoli, Riley, Maverick, Birdie, Lily, Zeus, Buzzy, Dickens, Harry, Fitz and Tuck.

Maple joined her family in 2022 and has kept life entertaining ever since. Whether she's balancing on a paddle board, carrying her own pool noodle, or chasing squirrels across a backyard, she approaches every day with enthusiasm and energy.

If Maple could choose her dream adventure, she'd head straight to the Scottish Highlands for two reasons: lots of clean lakes and red squirrels.