In perhaps one of the strangest “animal” stories of the year, a man filed to have his named officially changed from Gary to “Boomer the Dog.”  The judge denied the petition, but that hasn’t stopped Gary from dressing and acting the part.

According to MSNBC, the would-be Boomer was a fan of a television show that was canceled in the 1980s. He felt a connection to the dog character that rescued people.

Mathews has said he is a “furry fan” — people who attribute human characteristics to animals, and vice versa. Like other ardent followers, Mathews often attends conventions and social gatherings.

And you thought Star Trek conventions held some strange characters!