
The narrator opens with a heartfelt tribute to a close‑knit circle of collies, celebrating their loyalty, humor, and the simple joy they bring to everyday life. These dogs are presented not as showpieces but as companions who teach patience, forgiveness, and unselfish love, shaping the tone of a story that feels both intimate and timeless.
At the center of the tale is a delicate, tawny collie named Rothsay Lass, a “second” in the eyes of the show ring but rich in spirit and intelligence. Though dismissed by breeders for her un‑drooping ears and her gender, she possesses a fierce independence and a tender heart that set her apart. When circumstances bring her into the life of a new owner, the stage is set for a partnership that will reveal the true worth of a dog whose value cannot be measured by ribbons or price tags.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (212K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Dianne Bean. HTML version by Al Haines.
Release date
2000-11-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1872–1942
Best known for classic dog stories like "Lad: A Dog," this American writer helped turn his beloved collies into some of the most memorable animal characters in early 20th-century fiction. He also worked as a journalist and was closely linked to Sunnybank Kennels in New Jersey, where many of his stories took shape.
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