Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, dog lovers of all ages it’s time for Canada’s favourite game show: 'Guess that dog breed'.
Your first clue is: Medium in size, playful and loyal. Second clue: Great around children and an awesome companion to the senior crowd. Last clue: From the Shetland Islands, in Scotland, they are known for their soft silken hair, and mistakenly called a miniature Collie or Lassie’s little cousin. Give up? Of course, you didn’t. It’s the Shetland Sheepdog, aka 'Sheltie.'
This dynamo of a dog also made its way from the remote isles to England when members of the Navy on training manoeuvres would buy puppies to take home.
Growing up I remember our neighbour had a lovely little 'sheltie'. Although they can be a bit standoffish and reserved around strangers once they warm up to you an affectionate bond is a given.
Recently I had the great fortune to meet a lovely sheltie and his owner Nicole, while going for an evening walk. Remembering the one from my childhood and specifically its lovely soft coat I was excited to get a formal introduction.
“This is Sooner," said Nicole.
“Oh, is he from Oklahoma?” I replied.
She didn’t respond yes or no, leading me to come to one of two conclusions. She either didn’t hear my response or didn’t get the gist of it, or she was just focused on what I think Nicole enjoys telling people that “sooner or later he comes when he’s called.”
I like her answer better than mine to be honest.
As you can see by the colour of his coat he is gorgeous with that lovely combination of browns and golden orange with the impressive white accents on his paws, tail and upper torso.
I recently had a chance to catch up with Sooner when he was going for an evening walk with Nicole. I called out to her from my front steps to pop in for a visit and bring Sooner in for a treat. I don’t know if all dogs immediately know that the treats are in the cupboard next to my fridge or that the bag being slightly opened offered an alluring aroma but he stared at that cupboard from my kitchen entrance intensely.
This four-year-old handsome fellow was not the least bit interested in a belly rub, being brushed or tickled behind the ears. Sooner wanted treats and treats he shall have.
Since acquiring him from a Parksville breeder at the tender puppy age of eight weeks, Nicole has enjoyed her little buddy to the max. Although a back injury has limited his agility-style exercises, Sooner and his devoted owner walk up to five miles most days.
Beware if you fiddle around with your hand near your pocket as it better have a treat in it or he might follow you home and see if your treats are in the cupboard right next to your fridge.
Bill Flower is an avid dog lover and proud Parksville resident.
