What kind of dog was Lassie?

I’ve read that the title of this post is a question that is Googled often.  When the collies run into strangers and they ask what kind of dog they are, we tell them “they are collies, like Lassie.” If the person is younger than 35, we are usually met with a blank stare, as they have never heard of Lassie.  Gen X seems to be the last generation who remember Lassie, her movies and her television shows.  But for older generations, those born before 1960, Lassie was a household name.  They grew up watching her weekly tv show, watching her exploits on the Big Screen, and reading her books.  Which gave me an idea…

Each year in December we pick a date, and I invite my friends with therapy collies, and we watch a Lassie movie with the residents of a local nursing home.  The residents love to watch these sweet, charming old movies starring the iconic collie.  And to get to watch the movie with our therapy collies by their sides is an experience that has them all smiling!

Therapy collies Finn, Addison and Kelsea

I think the collies really enjoy the admiration they receive during the movie, as if they are sharing in Lassie’s dramatic onscreen adventure.  This year we had around 30 residents join us, and we watched Lassie Come Home.  The movie was made and released in 1943, so it’s over 80 years old.  I have watched it dozens of times, and I still cry when Lassie limps into the schoolyard to meet her boy, Joe.  The endearing love and loyalty of the collie is captured so poignantly in that moment that it never fails to touch my heart.

Of course, having collies of my own makes the movie even more heartwarming.  And our therapy collies, who visit this particular nursing home regularly, have become friends with the residents.  Watching a Lassie movie with a therapy collie is deeply meaningful for elderly nursing home residents because it brings together comfort, memory, and emotional connection in a unique and powerful way. For many residents, Lassie represents a familiar and beloved figure from their earlier years—a symbol of loyalty, courage, and the unconditional love of a faithful dog. Seeing those stories again can awaken warm memories of childhood, family, and simpler times.

Having an actual collie present while watching the movie enhances that experience in a profoundly tangible way. The therapy dog provides gentle companionship, physical warmth, and a calming presence. Residents aren’t just watching a story about a heroic, loving dog—they are feeling the soft fur, steady heartbeat, and patient affection of a real one beside them. This blending of memory and sensory comfort can reduce feelings of loneliness, ease anxiety, and spark joyful conversation.

The experience also creates moments of connection among residents. Sharing smiles, memories of past pets, or simply the delight of watching our collies react to the movie builds a sense of community.  For individuals who may struggle with isolation, cognitive decline, or physical limitations, this kind of emotional engagement can be uplifting and grounding.

In short, watching a Lassie movie with a therapy collie is more than entertainment—it’s an experience that warms the heart.  I hope to offer this experience to other nursing homes in the future, as we love to share our therapy collies with everyone, and watch them work their magic.