As one of the silver screen’s most distinguished animals, Lassie might appear to have it all. From her first film appearances in the 1940s to the present day, the adventurous collie has entertained generations with her remarkable intelligence and loyalty. Having said that, maybe it’s time for this precocious pooch to update her image a little. A sturdy collar might have been the height of dog-related gadgetry when the first Lassie film was released, but canine technology has come a long way since then. A few savvy technological investments would allow Lassie to get even more out of her outdoorsy lifestyle, not to mention quickening her response time next time little Timmy falls down that well.
GPS Collar
Lassie is, of course, famous for her long cross-country trips. Whether she’s stuck in the Scottish Highlands or the American wilderness, she always manages to find her way home. With that in mind, what better gift for a seasoned canine traveler than a GPS collar? GPS collars use the same technology seen on smartphones and in-car sat nav devices to pinpoint the exact location of your pooch. In short, Lassie’s owners would only have to check their phones to find her, making Lassie’s adventures far less dangerous. Some collars even allow you to set invisible boundaries for your pet, alerting you when she is approaching an area she shouldn’t.
Waterproof Dog Coat
No longer do dogs have to rely on their natural coats to shield them from the elements. Combining practicality with high fashion, the waterproof dog coat is this season’s must-have accessory for canine fashionistas everywhere. Of course, a waterproof dog coat would be ideal for Lassie. With her long fur and penchant for outdoor life, she must be a nightmare to groom when she gets wet. A waterproof dog coat could help to keep her safe when she’s near busy roads, too, with many examples featuring reflective or fluorescent panels.
Pet Pedometer
Although it’s fair to say that a lack of exercise has never been a problem for Lassie, keeping tabs on your daily activity is a sensible move for any dog. After all, even Lassie probably wouldn’t say no to a few extra sessions of walkies every now and again. Pet pedometers clip to dog collars and work in much the same way that their human equivalents do, providing real-time information as to the number of steps taken in a given period of time. Although they might seem like a novelty, pedometers do serve an important purpose, with lack of exercise a leading cause of canine obesity-related health problems. Tracking your pet’s activity on daily basis allows you to quickly see if you need to up their exercise routine.
High-Tech Kennel
There’s nothing more satisfying for a dog than settling down in the kennel after a hard day of alerting the authorities to people trapped in mineshafts. Surely no one would begrudge Lassie a comfy place to rest her head? In fact, 21st-century kennels can be far more than a simple sleeping spot for your dog. Worried your dog will be too cold outside? Simply treat your furry friend to an air conditioning-equipped model. Does it seem a little too dark and dingy in there? LED lighting will sort that right out. Want to check on your dog without going outside? A Wi–Fi–enabled CCTV camera can stream live pictures straight back to your computer for easy viewing. In fact, if you’re not careful your dog’s house will have better gadgets than your own house.
