Mel - Jack Russell Terrier companion of Lassie the dog on the updated series LASSIE/YTC/1997-98 aired on the Animal Planet cable network. According to Bob Weatherwax, the son of Rudd Weatherwax, who trained many earlier Lassie dogs, "Mel and Lassie the collie are constant companions at home. They're both 8 years old, and their temperaments seem to suit each other."