My childhood canine companion, Shadow, a Rough coat Collie at around 7-8 years old, with a magnificent, freshly brushed coat. He lived to be 16, July 1995 - August 8, 2011. Even at a young age I recall he had a incredibly calm, tolerant, obedient, and, dare I say, compassionate personality. Having grown up with him, being that we were relatively the same age, he is the reason I have grown a fondness for the more sociable aspects of animals stressed by the furry community.