I am a first generation Canadian from Scottish parents, siblings and background and I live with my family in Ontario, where I have worked as an educator for 15 years.
My Scotch Collie, Jake, is my first SC and I feel so lucky to have found him as a young rescue puppy. In reality, Jake rescued me.
He found me when I was ill and low in spirit and had closed my mind and heart to the possibility of another dog in my life.
Jake is an incredibly intelligent, devoted friend. Out in the field he is energetic, active, and loves to run, yet he is just as happy to lie around the house with his family and loves to sleep in on weekends! As a young dog he kept vigil at my feet when I was ill in bed for 4 days, and only agreed to move from my side rarely, and for a moment, when my husband insisted on taking him out for a quick ‘wee’, and then was right back by my side. A few years ago, when I broke my leg and was on crutches, he refused to leave my side and would drag my husband from whatever he was doing (old Lassie style) if I was struggling to do something myself.
Jake’s registered name, ‘Sazz’s Scotch Toddy’*, is a reference to the Scottish ‘hot toddy’ drink that my Scottish father used to make for me when I was younger, whenever I was ill. Made with very good Scotch, very hot water, and a little sugar, hot toddy’s still evoke memories of being loved and cared for… plus the heat and the Scotch would ‘sweat out’ whatever ‘ailed ye’ and certainly helped you sleep and awake feeling better.
Jake, similarly, is very good Scotch, with a little sugar for sweetness. He has been my ‘hot toddy’, has kept watch when I was ill, and has certainly cured whatever ailed me and mended my heart.
(‘Sazz’ is my family nickname).