We Celebrate the Life of Nelda Herman

Nelda Herman always put the dog first—and the life it would live in its new home. I went through three separate interviews with her as a potential owner, and I was thoroughly grilled. While challenging, I appreciated every question. She wanted to know everything: How many hours the dog might be crated, what I did for a living, and whether the dog would truly be part of my daily life. Letting a dog go is never easy, and Nelda took that responsibility seriously. I’ve never forgotten her advice. From time to time, we would message or talk - just to hear a familiar voice. She was generous with her knowledge, always offering guidance to help me improve. She could be a tough critic, but only when it mattered. Her ability to connect people was remarkable. Through her membership in the community, she helped many find their perfect Parson Russell Terrier. Godspeed, Nelda. Thank you for everything you gave to your dogs and to all of us.

This past November, I was fortunate to adopt one of Shasta N Ride ’M Cowboy “Chip” and Cinder’s little girls from Nelda Herman. I had been speaking with her for a few years and hoped to have one of Wilson’s girls when the time was right. Bunny is the most exquisite Parson Russell Terrier I’ve ever seen — she almost doesn’t look real. Perhaps it’s because she’s a petite version of Chip, and her size is her secret weapon. Her temperament is beautiful and nearly flawless—though Bunny certainly has opinions. It was with great sadness and a sense of tremendous loss for our breed that I learned of Nelda Herman’s passing from her daughter, Joelle. Every time I look at Bunny, I think of Nelda and marvel at the beautiful work she did for our breed. Bunny is just one small reflection of her legacy and stewardship of the Parson Russell Terrier. My heart goes out to Joelle, Wilson, and the entire Shasta N community, which is enriched by Nelda's membership and contributions.

She would get frustrated with some of the things I would try, but she was always game to help me figure it out. Nelda Herman was going to a dog show in Redmond and needed help. I had never been to a dog show, so I thought I'd be nothing more than muscle—loading and unloading. By the end of that weekend, I was hooked! I had gotten grooming lessons, handling lessons, met wonderful people, and was handed a Parson Russell Terrier to take in the ring with the instruction of 'just follow us and try to do what we do.' Well, let me tell you, it was a glorious train wreck! Wow, what a great learning experience it was! It's been a wild ride ever since. Rest easy, Nelda, we love you! I am forever grateful for you and all that you shared with me, even when you thought I was crazy. Joining the membership of the dog show community has truly changed my life.

Nelda Herman was not only the breeder of our two original Parson Russell Terriers, but she also became a longtime friend through her unwavering commitment to our girls. Despite being 3,000 miles away, she frequently checked in—about the dogs and anything else that made us laugh, which truly reflected her love. One year, she even visited us in Pennsylvania to attend a membership event at Montgomery, and we genuinely enjoyed her company and friendship. We will miss her deeply, along with the incredible gift of family she bestowed upon us. She loved her dogs—and so did we.

I could always count on Nelda Herman for advice— especially when I found myself at a crossroads selecting a puppy from a litter. Recently, when I asked her about her own dogs, she proudly shared that her Wilson had produced 30 Champions and a Grand Champion Gold, along with more than 40 additional Champions and Grand Champions. No small feat. She was incredibly proud of his accomplishments. It is a tremendous loss to the Parson Russell Terrier breed when we lose breeders like Nelda—and with them, the invaluable knowledge gained over a lifetime, which is often shared through their membership in various breeding associations.