Two resolutions in the Oregon State Legislature are proposing two different candidates to be Oregon’s state dog.
A Senate Resolution would designate the Border Collie as the official state dog. Border collies were brought to Oregon by explorers and pioneers, and worked in the fields of Heppner, Oregon, in the mid-19th century. When cattle and sheep ranching increased in the 1920s, Oregonians imported border collies to help build the West. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Bill Hansell at the request of Ron Folck who was behind a similar push in 2011. Hansell cited the breed’s strong work ethic and extraordinary ability to herd livestock.
Another resolution in the Oregon House was sponsored by Rep. David Gomberg at the request of the Oregon Humane Society, for whom Gomberg worked. He also worked with the Humane Society of the United States in the past and readily agreed to sponsor the resolution.
National Purebred Dog Day has never drawn a “line in the sand” by suggesting that dog owners own purebred dogs or nothing. We strongly support having the choice to pick the best fit of dog for oneself after doing one’s research. It would be nice, however, to see a terrific breed recognized in this way. Oregonians, consider contacting your local legislator to indicate your support for Senator Hansell’s resolution. Read more on this here:
Highland Spirit by John Silver is available for purchase as a print here.