“Rin Tin Tin” and “Lassie” were favorite weekend TV shows during the mid-fifties; black and white viewing, of course. Our rich cousins were the first family we knew of to own a color TV.
But I digress. Along with making babies – parents were searching for additional ways to provide the Utopian childhood for their offspring. Pets were a perfect stimulus for growing children, it was determined. They were “spot on” with this idea. A pet could teach responsibility, provide a modicum of protection ( not cats or birds, mostly just dogs) and give a child something to love not human.
My Dad first chose a German Shepard but alas, said dog knocked down 3 year old Terri and was quickly dispatched to another family. I think the next choice was our Mom’s. She chose a beautiful Collie with a darker mane than Lassie. We were fortunate that my parents were best friends with a Veterinarian and his family. In fact, they lived only a few houses down from us and they were making babies along the same rate and timing as our parents. So our animal Doctor presented my parents with a dog, already named “Sputnik”. It was then and is still today the coolest name for a dog I have ever heard. Sputnik never knocked my sister down and was remarkably tolerant of all of kids. The gentlest, sweetest and most loyal dog I had or will ever have. He was as much a part of our family as I was – certainly less trouble. [continue reading about Great Pets…]
This pooch has his own trailer that follows his master’s motorcycle. Even better, he has a windshield. Ah, the good life. Photographed at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
“Rin Tin Tin” and “Lassie” were favorite weekend TV shows during the mid-fifties; black and white viewing, of course. Our rich cousins were the first family we knew of to own a color TV.
