Step into the heartwarming world of Sunnybank, where a noble Rough Collie named Lad steals the show with his bravery and loyalty! Written by Albert Payson Terhune in the early 1900s, the Sunnybank series captures the timeless bond between humans and dogs, blending adventure, emotion, and the charm of a simpler era. Set on the idyllic Sunnybank estate in New Jersey, these novels invite readers to cheer for Lad as he protects his family and faces thrilling challenges.
With a light, engaging style, Terhune’s stories resonate with dog lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to Lad’s tale, the Sunnybank series promises a cozy escape into a world where loyalty always wins.
How Sunnybank Began
Albert Payson Terhune, a journalist and passionate dog breeder, found his muse in his real-life collie, Lad, who lived at Sunnybank, his family’s estate. Inspired by Lad’s remarkable intelligence and devotion, Terhune began writing short stories for magazines like Red Book in 1915. The overwhelming reader response led to the 1919 publication of Lad: A Dog, the first novel in the Sunnybank series. Terhune’s love for his collies and his home shaped a series that celebrated the spirit of these majestic dogs.
The Heart of Sunnybank
The Sunnybank series revolves around Lad and other collies, with key titles like Lad: A Dog (1919), Further Adventures of Lad (1922), and Lad of Sunnybank (1929). In Lad: A Dog, Lad protects his family from threats like snakes and burglars while navigating misunderstandings with humans. Further Adventures of Lad continues his heroic escapades, from battling rival dogs to saving toddlers. Lad of Sunnybank, the final Lad novel, features short stories of his later years, though some tales shift focus to other animals and humans.
Themes of loyalty, courage, and the human-animal bond shine through Terhune’s vivid storytelling. Set against the lush backdrop of Sunnybank, the series blends heartfelt moments with thrilling adventures. Terhune’s florid prose, while sometimes ornate, paints collies as near-human heroes, instilling obedience through love, not force. The stories also reflect early 20th-century rural life, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era.
Why Sunnybank Resonates
The Sunnybank series sparked a love for collies and dogs worldwide, with Lad: A Dog becoming a bestseller, reprinted over 80 times and adapted into a 1962 film. Terhune’s stories inspired generations, from children to adults, to cherish their pets’ loyalty. Sunnybank itself, now Terhune Memorial Park, remains a pilgrimage site for fans, preserving the graves of Lad and other collies. Despite criticism for dated racial depictions, the series’ core message of devotion endures, captivating readers who crave stories of heroism and heart.
- First Book Published: 1919 (Lad: A Dog)
- Key Setting: Sunnybank estate, New Jersey
- Notable Adaptation: 1962 film, Lad: A Dog
Ready to meet a collie who’ll steal your heart? Grab Lad: A Dog and dive into Sunnybank’s world of loyalty and adventure!