In pickleball, there exists a shot called the “Erne,” where a player jumps off the court to hit the ball over the net. It is a move often used to hit a winning shot, mastered by only the most skilled players as it is one packed with power and energy. The same is often said about Ernie the Aussiedoodle, who is appropriately named and beloved for the high energy he brings.

Art Siegesmund and his family found Ernie through their close friend, a firefighter with the Columbus Fire Department. Through that friend, they were introduced to a firefighter family in Licking County who raises Aussiedoodles. It’s safe to say, the Siegesmunds fell in love with Ernie that day.

It is no coincidence that Ernie’s name sounds so similar to the “Erne” shot in pickleball. The two-year-old Aussiedoodle was named after Art’s love for the sport, whose passion is so great that his wife endearingly calls him the “Mayor of Dublin Pickleball.” Art is currently an instructor at the Dublin Community Recreation Center and he was just hired to join the staff at The Country Club at Muirfield Village. 

True to his name, Ernie’s athleticism and constant high energy is what sets him apart. An outdoor dog by nature, he enjoys hiking and can usually be found climbing hills and crossing creeks. Ernie especially loves catching up with his friends at the Glacier Ridge dog park, where he is often one of the fastest among his peers. It is no surprise that he loves being chased by other dogs. To earn his treats, Ernie shows off his athleticism, jumping over all obstacles and scaling platforms.

The active Aussiedoodle also enjoys the simpler things in life. He loves back rubs, and often asks for one by sitting down and facing the other way. If his humans aren’t available, Ernie will roll in the grass to get his back rubs. When he’s not delighting in back rubs or high energy activities, you can find Ernie playing with his favorite squeaky toys (the louder the better) or engaging his brain in cognitive tasks. Ernie is a very smart dog, and knows how to find all his food, even when placed in a puzzle device that requires him to move various pieces around.

Apart from his energetic nature, Ernie’s lovable personality comes from how friendly he is to all, whether human or canine. Much like pickleball’s community-building nature, the social Aussiedoodle loves to meet new people and dogs, encouraging opportunities for connection within the neighborhood. For Art and his family, Ernie has brought even more love and joy, as well as new friendships with others in Muirfield, embodying the heart of a good neighbor.