Some friends will do anything you ask of them
Local humane society volunteers can help you decide which breed best suited to your needs
By JOEY COOK, JLAHS volunteer

HAPPY TAILS TO YOU - Joey Cook and pal Katie wore bandanas for the Jasper Lakes Area Humane Society float; for more information on JLAHS call 384-8488. This yearCook and her furry pals will be lookin' for a ticket to ride in the Jasper Lions Club rodeo parade May 7.

The collie was originally the sheep dog of Scotland. It is now a faithful friend and companion everywhere.

The collie is usually a medium sized dog about 22 inches high and weighing 45 - 60 pounds, although some exceptions can go up to 100 pounds.

The rough-coated collie is the most recognized collie breed. It has long, thick hair with a furry undercoat of shorter hair. Other types of collies are smooth-coated or bearded.

The collie has a fox-shaped head with a long nose and erect ears. It can be sable and white, tricolor, blue merle or white.

Collies are among the most intelligent. The working collie is energetic and agile with great stamina. It is instinctively motivated to work and has been known to run all day without tiring. It is well-suited to active sports and likes mental and physical challenges.

It can take a flock of sheep to pasture, protect them from wolves, and bring them back at night. It is also protective of its master and property.

Collies are intensely loyal, gentle and trainable. They are compatible with children.

Famous collies include Lad and Lassie of books, movies and the TV series; Blanc, pet of Lyndon Johnson; and Reveille, official mascot of Texas A & M.

Are you in need of a friend to accompany you to the special events in your life? A friend who will never complain if you ask her to dress in matching bandanas and silly hats?

The Jasper Lakes Area Humane Society has a variety of animals available for adoption, but what kind best suits you? While the puppies and dogs who are currently in foster homes seldom have pedigree papers, the volunteers at JLAHS are knowledgeable about many breeds and their characteristics, and will be happy to help you choose the right pet.

For more information, call JLAHS at 384-8488 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, or view the JLAHS pet finder at www.jas.net/~jar. JLAHS also needs donation to build an animal shelter in the City of Jasper.