In 28 days it began. In 28 weeks it spread. In 28 years it evolved.

For generations, Lassie has been more than just a television star. The loyal Collie captured hearts beginning in the 1950s, when the long-running Lassie series became a staple of family living rooms.

He played Porky on the first four seasons of the CBS show, then appeared in films including ‘Ferris Bueller's Day Off’ and ‘The Patriot.’ By Mike Barnes Senior Editor Joey D. Vieira, who portrayed the ...