How a prize-winning Inishowen collie helped his owner through grief

Dogs are often said to be man’s best friend and for one Inishowen duo, the saying couldn’t ring more true.

Rover the Rough Collie is turning one next month, and in the past year he has made quite an impact on owner Brendan McCallion's life.

Brendan is from Culdaff and is the co-founder and creative lead of media production company Reelality Media, as well as hosting and co-producing The Forgotten Podcast with childhood friend Kieran French.

Brendan took great pride in Rover when he was recently crowned Champion of the Inishowen Agricultural Dog Show.

The collie also took home the prizes for Best Puppy and Best Collie, which takes place at the Inishowen Agricultural Show every year in Carndonagh.

“The best collie award was a huge one because it's a show that will attract some stiff competition,” says Brendan. “I was so incredibly proud of Rover for being awarded best in class for this one, because it was a tough day for us both with it being a new experience.”

Brought to the McCallion household as a three-month-old puppy in November last year, Rover was the dog of Brendan’s childhood dreams. From the age of about 4 or 5, he was hoping to one day become the owner of a rough collie.

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“My first introduction to rough collies was the 1997 Lassie TV Show which was on The Den, but I remember there was a scene which stood out and I just thought ‘That is the most incredible looking animal I have ever seen.’ So even at that age, I knew one day I was going to own one.”

However, it was the sudden passing of Brendan’s father, Patrick, in June last year which spurred on the decision.

“Grief is such a little word for something so monumental in our lives, and every single person has to navigate their own journey with it, albeit we can have the support of family and friends,” says Brendan. “So for me, I didn’t want to navigate this journey alone. 

“Rover has really helped me in so many ways, like by going to the beach or walking down a quiet country road. I know I have him with me, to help me focus on the road ahead.”

Taking on the responsibility of owning a dog so soon after losing a parent was a major transition for Brendan. Rough collies have a tendency to nip at the heels due to their herding instincts, but Brendan says Rover always steers him in the right direction.

“Being a dog owner has helped me get out into the community. I cannot begin to explain how many people I have spoken to because they see Rover, and he has a different aura to him than other dogs. He just stands out so much.”

Preparation for the Inishowen Agricultural Dog Show involved training Rover the basic commands to be the best family pet he can be.

For Brendan and novice showdog Rover, the show was an “incredible community event” and Brendan would encourage anyone with a dog to enter.

“It brings everyone together, and it does create some great conversations. I met so many people that day who were all part of the show.

Since Rover’s big win, Brendan has been asked to compete in the upcoming Clonmany Show.

“I don’t think I could replicate the happiness my whole family felt when I came home with Rover with the big champion ribbon attached to him,” Brendan admits.

Brendan and Rover

“I would like to take him to the Clonmany Show next year when he will be nearly two years old. I still have so much more work to do with him training-wise, and discipline.

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“But what he already has is thanks to some incredible trainers such as Shaun Holmes from Donegal, and Izabel Tusinska who does online classes, who have helped me massively since getting Rover. I would highly recommend giving either of those trainers a shout depending on where you are based in Donegal.

“I just want to give a special shout out to Orlaith Ruddy who was judging the competition, and to all the organisers of the Inishowen Agriculture Show for putting on such an amazing event for the whole community. I cannot wait to be back next year, but in a much more relaxed way.”