When Collie arrived at the BC SPCA Burnaby Animal Centre nearly 17 years ago, he was just a tiny eight-month-old puppy. But he had already faced all sorts of challenges in his short life. We don’t know the details of his backstory, but Collie was very matted, fearful of the world and had clearly never walked on a leash, slept in a bed, or learned basic routines.
Thankfully, Collie’s future was about to change.
Finding Collie
Rachel was only 14 years old when her mom first met Collie during a visit to her local BC SPCA animal centre. They hadn’t planned to adopt a dog but something about Collie stood out. “He was a matted mess,” Rachel shared, “but he was immediately drawn to my mom.”
Her mom returned every day to visit him and after several visits, she came home and told Rachel, “I think you should come and meet him.” When they arrived at the centre together, they were greeted by a dog Rachel’s mom didn’t recognize. “My mom said, ‘Where did the dog go?’” Rachel laughed. “They told her, ‘He’s right there, he’s just been shaved.’”
It was immediately clear that Collie had a deep connection with Rachel’s mom. He’d been struggling in the animal centre environment and staff were looking for someone to foster him. Rachel’s mom gladly agreed to take him home on a temporary basis.
Choosing each other
The moment Collie arrived home, everything changed. “The minute that little dog came into our home,” Rachel said, “he never left.” Surrounded by peace and care, Collie began learning what safety felt like. He learned how to walk on a leash, go outside, eat from a bowl, and finally relax. Little by little, the fearful puppy they first met began to fade, and his true personality began to shine.
“At first, he never barked,” Rachel shared. “We thought he was so quiet. Six months later, he became the loudest little dog in the world. He just needed time.” It was clear that Collie was deeply connected to his people. “If you cry, he comes to you,” Rachel said. “He licks your tears and just wants to make you feel better.”
A bond that carried them through
Over the years, Collie stayed beside his family throughout every season of life. Through joy and routine, and eventually, through deep loss. When Rachel’s mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, Collie never left her side. He seemed to know where he was needed the most. “He didn’t even want to go for walks with me,” Rachel said. “He just wanted to be with her.”
When Rachel’s mom passed away, Collie waited by the door. He wouldn’t eat or sleep. “The only way I could show him she was gone,” Rachel shared, “was to let him smell her ashes.”
“He laid beside them and didn’t move.” After that day, he never left Rachel’s side, offering the same quiet presence that had carried him through her mom’s final days. “If it wasn’t for Collie,” she said, “I don’t know what I would have done.”
A lifetime together
Today, Rachel is 30 and Collie is nearly 18. He is deaf, has doggy dementia, and needs extra care, but his love hasn’t changed. “He still follows me from room to room,” Rachel said. “I cook his meals, pay for his vet care, and do everything I can for him. He’s my best friend.”
The power of an animal’s love can be hard to put into words. They are there for us through the good days and the difficult ones, and each in between. Our lives are so much richer with animals in them, and Rachel and Collie’s story is a true demonstration of that. “I would like to thank the BC SPCA for giving me such an amazing dog,” Rachel said. “If you’re thinking about adopting or fostering, please do. You never know which animal is waiting to change your life.”