Whenever Francis David steps out for a walk, his German Shepherd, Lassie, automatically springs into action: she must keep her human protected.
She immediately blocks his way and looks around for any potential threat. Only when she is certain the coast is clear and safe does she step aside and allow him to move.
“Lassie is a good guard dog. I’ve always had dogs in my house but I’ve never seen other dogs do this,” David, 52, tells FMT.
The seven-year-old Lassie was given as a gift by a family friend when she was just a puppy.
Recalling an incident when she was only a couple of months old, David shares: “She used to bite a lot of things, as most puppies do, and I hit her bottom once.
“My previous dogs would get afraid when I did this, but not Lassie. She simply turned around and gave me this look,” he laughs.
Lassie’s protective instincts also allow her to get along well with children. “When she was a puppy, my neighbour’s children would come over to play, so she’s used to being around kids and she’s gentle with them.”
Lassie has learnt to recognise frequent visitors such as the mailman. “When I bring someone into the house, she understands that I know the visitor, so she doesn’t bark,” David adds.
Despite her beauty, David reveals Lassie can be camera shy. He further describes her as an intelligent dog who picks things up quickly.
“I’ve never sent her for any training, but I believe the more you talk to German Shepherds, the better they understand you.
“For example, whenever I come home she knows I will park my car inside, so she automatically moves to the side of the house. Even when the gates are open, she doesn’t run outside,” he shares.
Lassie also knows she shouldn’t venture into the house. “However, she occasionally tries her luck,” he says with a laugh.
According to David, this lovely lass usually spends time in the shaded garden, and in her kennel when it rains.
Lassie enjoys eating anything, and her typical diet involves canned dog food and cooked chicken with rice.
She also has no issues with going to the vet, or taking medicines and baths. “I usually bathe her once a week, but not when it’s cold,” Francis adds.
Curiously, the calm-natured Lassie does have one pet peeve. “She doesn’t like the sun, and she’s been that way since she was a puppy.
“She even sleeps avoiding the sunshine. Where there’s a shade, you’ll find Lassie!”
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PET: FMT Lifestyle readers are invited to send in pictures (landscape format) and a short video (if any) of their furry, scaly or feathery friends to [email protected]. Don’t forget to include details like your pet’s name, age, breed and a short story about them.