It’s Tortilla Time| Hi I’m Tori and this is my Story

It has been almost nine years to the day that Sally and I were first introduced. In these nine years this dog has influenced my life beyond what I could have ever thought possible.

I was once an ignorant eight year old with no particular interest in dogs. However, upon Sally’s arrival this was quickly altered. She soon became my shadow, a furry minion, my constant follower. I felt safe under her watchful eye, almost untouchable to lurking dangers.

I dragged Sally along on my numerous adventures at the farm, though I doubt she would have objected otherwise. I soon deemed her my ‘adventure dog,’ and she quickly became the only soul brave enough to accompany me on my treks. We would plough through rugged brush, brave bitter snow storms, run through frigid streams, and not once did my Collie ever leave my side.

Now, nine years later, my faithful companion still has yet to leave my side.

I am convinced that there is a damn good reason dogs are considered man’s best friend. They possess a genuine loyalty that can be rivalled by no other. When my parents got divorced, Sally was one of the only constants I had when everything I knew in the world was rapidly changing. Sally brought me great solace through the most difficult time of my life.

Though quite unlike Lassie in reference to appearance, Sally is a remarkable representative of her breed. Sally comes from a long line of working dogs, as Collies originated as herders. It is rather unfortunate that breeders have grown increasingly concerned with appearance, a dog’s working ability becoming secondary. Though we never pursued herding with Sally, she was given the opportunity to act on her instincts once at the farm. We set Sally loose into a neighbouring cattle field, and much to our astonishment, she managed to herd the cattle into a neat circle with a gusto.

Sally was blessed with the benign gift of intelligence. Despite the fact that she had spent her early puppy days on a farm in rural Ontario, Sally was fully house trained in merely one day. Her exceptionally high train ability is the envy of anyone who comes in contact with her.

Seamus’ arrival has done little to alter our profound bond; he is merely another nuisance that we are forced to contend with every breathing moment of our existences. Though an irresistibly adorable nuisance at that.

It should come as no surprise that I continually refer to Sally as ‘the perfect dog.’ Sally is my idea of pure and utter perfection in a canine. There will never be another dog that will be remotely similar to her.

Here’s to another nine years together.