This is not an optical illusion. You are really peering at a ginormous dog, a majestic beast who is becoming more renowned throughout the Mission with every stroll. The dog, Paxton, is a 10-month-old Harlequin Great Dane, a breed of dog that, according to the mighty Wikipedia, is considered the tallest of all breeds. At the age of 18 months, Paxton should have a minimum weight of 120 pounds, and he is far from reaching his maximum height, said professional dog walker Erika Slovikoski.

Slovikoski, who works for Dog Tales, has had the pleasure of escorting this fine beast for some time now. She said he is becoming more popular with every walk. In fact, even while we walked and talked, two women spent a minute scratching and petting his head.

“I think everyone is getting to know him around here,” Slovikoski said. “I think he’s going to be a local star.”

He’s also going to be a damn big dog.