Timmy gets a new Lassie (And it’s a Shelter Dog!)

Ever since he was a little boy, Jon Provost, who starred as Timmy in the Lassie TV series, always had a dog by his side. After losing his beloved beagle recently, Jon decided it was finally time to fill that void in his life. He visited the Humane Society of Sonoma County in search of his new “Lassie.”

There, Jon and his wife, author Laurie Jacobson, adopted Buddy, a dachshund/terrier mix who grabbed their hearts during the visit.

“This is our first rescue,” says Provost.  “In this terrible economy, more and more pets are being abandoned because owners can no longer afford to care for them.  The shelters are over-flowing in some areas.

“I’m afraid the term ‘foreclosure pets’ is becoming a politically acceptable excuse for people to dump their best friends these days.  I think it’s important to point out that while pet adoptions are continuing, the puppy mills will still sell a jillion puppies this holiday season. And people are using the bad economy as an excuse to dump a pet that has become an inconvenience.  You don’t give up family members because they’re inconvenient.”

Although a far cry from a collie, Buddy is a special little dog.  Filthy, flea-infested and suffering from a bacterial skin infection, he was rescued from an overcrowded shelter and brought to the Humane Society of Sonoma County. He underwent extensive training and rehabilitation as he was considered a “special rescue” animal.  

“I feel like we actually rescued two dogs. With Buddy’s adoption, the Humane Society now has room for one more,” says Jacobson.

“Laurie and I made the decision years ago that all our future pets will be rescues, but it’s especially important at this time.  Buddy is already part of our family and we look forward to years of loving companionship with him.”