I have been a dog owner since I was 5, and worked in my parents kennel since I was 7. I've raised owned and rescued more dogs than I can count in that time. No dog ever worked it's way into my heart more than Nyah. She was a white shepherd dog with an enourmous amount of drive, and a crazy amount of intelligence.

She progressed through her obedience training so fast that at 3 months old we could walk her around our property and our friends property off leash (on an electronic control collar, but she listened without it, even around the chickens) around other dogs and farm animals. And we had to constantly add new games and new commands to keep her from getting bored.

She was so good at problem solving that she would watch the projects that I was doing and bring me things that I needed like tools or parts (and always the right ones at the right time) without being asked (or rewarded). So much of her behavior was unexplainable to me. I know dogs do things to make themself feel good not their owners but she did so many things without being asked or trained that she legitimately seemed to want to make me happy.

She brought my my tools, she learned dozens of commands and games, one night (in spite of being extremely well socialized and sweet to every other person that she met) she caught and cornered 2 burglars, one outing at the playground she chased a drunk guy that I didn't notice away from the kids. She would happily lay at my feet and just as fast happily work up a storm.

About a month ago, while we were out exercising as part of our daily routine, tragedy struck, injuring us both. Mine were superficial but hers were terminal. I gave her CPR all the way to the animal hospital, but in spite of the fact that I kept her breathing and heart beating till we got there, she died on the operating table. I have never grieved so hard in my life. The worst part is there are no pictures of us together. We thought she would be a part of our life for 15 years so we weren't in a hurry to take a bunch of photos.

I did have a video that we took while we were hanging out with friends right before this happened. I just found it and am so excited to share it.

https://youtu.be/3ENAdT3vrwE

 Quote: Josh Atwell

I have been a dog owner since I was 5, and worked in my parents kennel since I was 7. I've raised owned and rescued more dogs than I can count in that time. No dog ever worked it's way into my heart more than Nyah. She was a white shepherd dog with an enourmous amount of drive, and a crazy amount of intelligence.

She progressed through her obedience training so fast that at 3 months old we could walk her around our property and our friends property off leash (on an electronic control collar, but she listened without it, even around the chickens) around other dogs and farm animals. And we had to constantly add new games and new commands to keep her from getting bored.

She was so good at problem solving that she would watch the projects that I was doing and bring me things that I needed like tools or parts (and always the right ones at the right time) without being asked (or rewarded). So much of her behavior was unexplainable to me. I know dogs do things to make themself feel good not their owners but she did so many things without being asked or trained that she legitimately seemed to want to make me happy.

She brought my my tools, she learned dozens of commands and games, one night (in spite of being extremely well socialized and sweet to every other person that she met) she caught and cornered 2 burglars, one outing at the playground she chased a drunk guy that I didn't notice away from the kids. She would happily lay at my feet and just as fast happily work up a storm.

About a month ago, while we were out exercising as part of our daily routine, tragedy struck, injuring us both. Mine were superficial but hers were terminal. I gave her CPR all the way to the animal hospital, but in spite of the fact that I kept her breathing and heart beating till we got there, she died on the operating table. I have never grieved so hard in my life. The worst part is there are no pictures of us together. We thought she would be a part of our life for 15 years so we weren't in a hurry to take a bunch of photos.

I did have a video that we took while we were hanging out with friends right before this happened. I just found it and am so excited to share it.

https://youtu.be/3ENAdT3vrwE

Oh Josh, my truly heart-felt condolences on your premature loss of Nyah -- What an awful shock for your family ... I trust your own recovery is progressing well though, and thanks for posting that great video of her.

BTW, here's something I just happened to read in a book quite recently, which I'll share in hopes that it might give you a tiny little bit of solace in your grief:

"CPR is ultimately successful on human patients in just 50% of cases -- and at the end it only saves K9 lives in fewer than 10% of cases, even despite further addition of extreme procedures & invasive measures."

Run pain-free across the rainbow bridge, Nyah.

Thanks, I recovered within a week and a half. Just heartbroken. My wife did surprise me this week and broke the bank on a German shepherd from imported European working dog lines hoping the genetics would give me something at least close to what Nyah was. I'm hopeful as the bitch actually has at least one leerburg dog in her heritage and a bunch of schutzhund champs from all over Germany and Spain. And the sire came out of a police K9 kennel with some strong European working dog lines as wel. So far she's got drive out of the park and a good temperament. It's definitely helped me to be a little happier and life is starting to get back to normal.

Welcome Josh
Sorry for you loss. Nyah looks just like the GSDxCollie I grew up with many yrs ago. Same color as Nyah and that's why she was named Taffy.

She was also the dog that started me into dog training.

Thanks for the welcome. I've lurked for months but I usually don't post, I just enjoy reading the discussions and gleaning what knowledge I can.

I bet a GSD/border collie would be an amazing dog to work with!

Nyah definitely had pretty neat coloring. Her bloodlines were pure but for some reason when she blew her snow white puppy coat some of the black and red reminiscent colorings were hiding underneath just barely coming through.

Josh, I'm so sorry for your loss of Nyah. She was beautiful, intelligent, and clearly very much-loved. Losing a dog is hard enough, but to lose one so young and due to an accident is especially tough. I hope your heart will continue to heal and that you will keep us updated on the new addition to your family.

 Quote: Josh Atwell

Thanks, I recovered within a week and a half. Just heartbroken. My wife did surprise me this week and broke the bank on a German shepherd from imported European working dog lines hoping the genetics would give me something at least close to what Nyah was. I'm hopeful as the bitch actually has at least one leerburg dog in her heritage and a bunch of schutzhund champs from all over Germany and Spain. And the sire came out of a police K9 kennel with some strong European working dog lines as wel. So far she's got drive out of the park and a good temperament. It's definitely helped me to be a little happier and life is starting to get back to normal.

I hear you completely about getting the new dog -- They really DO help your heart heal ... I expect that she will "channel" the Spirit of Nyah Her name ???

Josh, very sorry to read about your loss. Based on the wonderful tribute you provided, it sounds like Nyah was an awesome friend and companion. It's hard enough to lose a great dog like that through natural causes. I can't imagine what you went through when it happens suddenly like that and hope I never do. Either way, I know there is a piece of your heart that's ripped out and hope it gets better. Sounds like you're on your way to healing with your new pup. Best of luck with her. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss, Josh. I recently lost my own "heart dog" Caterina with very little time to prepare. Though, in my experience, it's never an easy thing to get through.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.
- Author Unknown

Hugs to you from my pack and I.

Kel

I am very sorry for your loss. Sometimes I forget, I'm sure as others do, that each moment with our beasties is a blessing! I wish none of us ever had to lose our companions....it always amazes me that there can be room for another (but different) friend! I hope your time with the new pup helps you heal from the early loss of Nyah.