Celebrating Nelda Herman

Nelda 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 I do 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. 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. 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 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’s passing from her daughter, Joelle. Every time I look at Bunny, I think of Nelda and marvel at the beautiful work she did. Bunny is just one small reflection of her legacy and stewardship of the breed we love. My heart goes out to Joelle, Wilson, and the entire Shasta N community.

She would get frustrated with some of the things I would try but she was always game to help me figure it out. She was going to a show in Redmond and needed help. I had never been to a dog show. 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 dog 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!  Its 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.

Nelda was not only the breeder of our two original dogs, but she also became a longtime friend. We stayed in touch because of her deep love and commitment to our girls. Despite being 3,000 miles away, she checked in often—about the dogs and anything else that made us laugh. She even visited us in Pennsylvania one year to attend Montgomery, and we truly enjoyed her company and friendship. We will miss her deeply, as well as the incredible gift of family she bestowed upon us. She loved her dogs—and so did we. 

I could always count on Nelda for advice— especially when I found myself at a crossroads selecting a puppy from a litter. Recently, when I asked 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 breed when we lose breeders like Nelda—and with them, the invaluable knowledge gained over a lifetime.