AURORA, Ohio — My family has always had rough-coat collies (aka the “Lassie Dog”), back to the 1950s. And even though the breed is much rarer nowadays, we’ve still kept the tradition.
They are beautiful, friendly and empathetic dogs who make incredible companions.
After the loss of two beloved males to cancer, we took time to grieve. Then, in 2020, we brought Maverick into our home. As he grew, we knew he needed a companion.
So in 2022, we drove out to Bowling Green, Ohio, to pick up his sister — born from the same parents, just two litters apart.
She was special, as she’d be the first female we’d ever had and the first with her unique almost all-white coat.
We named her Winter.
As I drove home with her tiny body nestled in blankets in a laundry hamper in the seat next to me, I bawled as if it was the birth of my first child.
She grew at an exponential rate, and the two of us shared many midday naps and rambunctious play times at the park.
Soon, she was near equal in size to her older brother, and they quickly became a bonded pair.
He tends to be more aloof; she is more inquisitive.
The phrase “fur child” has always made me roll my eyes, but the connection I’ve made with them is nothing short of paternal in many ways — or in the very least like siblings.
The love and joy they’ve brought into my life is something I hope everyone is able to experience in life.
Remington Petrow,
Aurora
Do you share your life with an animal that is near and dear to you? Tell us something about your pet – all species are welcome – and send along a photo of the two of you.
Be sure to tell us which Greater Cleveland community you live in.
Send everything to Ann Norman at
.
