09/17/2026
Rest in peace sweet Nyla 🩷
Nyla was part of a large family I've cared for when their people are out of town. She was very special.
Heartfelt condolences for her humans and her flock.
Sometimes there just aren't words, only thoughts and remembrances and gratitude. Nyla was 13 years old, a ripe age for an Anatolian, but she looked and acted like a dog half her years. Two mornings ago I fed her as usual and she ate with gusto, tail wagging, finished up with her morning pets and scratches ("Oh, we love our Nyla girl!) and she settled into her favorite place under a barn fan. That evening when it began to cool off and the sheep and dogs had moved out into the field, I took Emmy for a walk and brought a couple of treats for Nyla and Torvie. Torvie came running up, but Nyla did not. I saw her near the sheep and thought she was fast asleep, but she was not. She was gone, Torvie was confused, and I was in complete shock.
Though we weren't ready to say goodbye I guess Nyla was. There were no signs of trauma or struggle or illness. She just lay down near the sheep and went to sleep, still on duty. Good dog, Nyla, good dog. We miss you so much. 💔
