Keepsake’s Half-Nelson 1/24/2005 - 4/24/2014
When Roland (Zach) and Diane Zacharias entrusted us with this calm, loving boy I had no idea that Nelson would open up an entirely new world to me. Starting with the 2005 OESCA National Specialty Centennial Dog Show in Lancaster, PA, I was introduced to the world of show dogs and the importance of good breeding. Showing wasn’t for Nelson yet he garnered five Championship points that included one major. He passed the first leg of his Herding Instinct test with flying colors. He was the perfect ambassador for the breed and a welcoming presence to rescued OES finding refuge in our home. He was the shaggy haired Old English Sheepdog that attracted young and old like a magnet wherever he went. Beach goers in the Shore Drive area of Myrtle Beach, SC remembered him from year to year and snapped photos as if meeting a celebrity. He breezed through his CGC testing and aced his Therapy Dogs International test. He found his niche in being a therapy dog. He loved the young and old and was a volunteer at several nursing homes and libraries on a regular basis. He always looked forward to reporting for work at Morning Breeze on Wednesday afternoons. And he taught me to realize that my career was not my life. I could do things never thought possible because he was at the other end of the leash. ME visit a nursing home weekly or enjoy kids reading to a dog??? YES!!! We were such a great team! Today we returned not to an empty house but to his OES “sister” Lyra and the most recent foster dog awaiting his forever home. Even in his absence, Nelson’s presence is everywhere in photos, show ribbons, therapy dog certificates and items spun from his beautiful coat. Already I missed him not being there to mooch my yogurt. Or demand that dinner be served exactly at 5:00 pm or a biscuit "toll" be paid upon our exiting the house whenever he couldn’t go along with us. Seeing a squirrel in the yard and remembering how Nelson never looked up to see it laughing down at him while he circled the tree in puzzlement. Where did it go? So many memories… Most of my friends knew our big boy personally so I wanted share this sad news. He will be missed at by everyone in St. Louis in May and in Myrtle Beach in June. But Darrow and I will miss him every day, everywhere forever. There will never be another Nelson Jr.  |
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 so sorry for your loss.... |
| I'm so sorry Nita and Darrow. R.I.P. sweet Nelson. Cindy |
| So sorry to hear about Nelson. His big bum will be forever remembered |
| So sorry for your loss Nita and Darrow.....it is never easy to say goodby. The heart still aches. |
| My condolences for your loss. You've shared many find memories with Nelson here, I feel honored to have "known" him. |
| Nita, I am so sorry to hear about Nelson. I didn't even know he was having problems. Nelson was such a fixture at Sheepiepalooza. It won't be the same without him. |
I am so sorry Nita. My thoughts are with you and Darrow. Nelson was indeed a very special sweet boy.  Run free sweet Nelson. |
I am so sorry for your loss, he was a big sweetheart  |
| So sorry for your loss. |
  We will miss you Nelson. You were so very special. |
| I'm so sorry for your loss. Wishing you happy memories. |
| Nita, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Nelson was a GREAT dog. Erin/Gertie |
| Nita and Darrow.... He was one of my special loves... and he WILL be missed at Sheepiepalooza, but he will also be REMEMBERED and HONORED this year as we talk about our memories of him. I wish I could give you a big hug right now..... |
| So sorry to hear this sad news nita. I know Nelson was a very special boy. And I did get to see and say hello to him ok it was via the internet, but he was special Sending you (((((((hugs))))))) from across the pond. Rip Nelson run free at rainbow bridge sweet boy |
| So very sorry for your loss. |
| Nelson was my ideal sheepie with his gorgeous coat and great bum. Nita and Darrow, I am so sorry for your loss. Please keep Nelson's memories close to you and his light will always shine. |
| Nita, I'm so very very sorry to read your beautiful tribute to the gorgeous Nelson. He always stood out in the crowd of sheepies for me with his beautiful coat and regal poise. My heart is breaking for you, no matter the age, it's never enough. Endless hugs to you, Darrow and Lyra |
| I am so sorry to hear of the loss of sweet Nelson. Nelson and you were already part of the from when I joined in '06. I loved hearing the antics of Nelson through the years. I've never been fortunate enough to meet Nelson in person, like many of you had, but he has been a big part of the forum to me. I'm going to miss hearing the stories about him. RIP sweet boy.. |
| Nita and Nelson are possibly the biggest and first reason we have Sheepies. She was the first person I spoke to who I could trust when I went looking for our first rescue and from that first moment, she was always referring to Nelson as an example. Deepest sympathies to you, Darrow and of course Lyra. Sadly she may not understand what's going on at all. Vance, Jen, Zoey and Caitlyn |
| so sorry, another sheepie with angel wings...xxxx |
| Nita It seems surreal that Nelson is gone.... It is never long enough. He was just the sweetest boy ever and was just what a sheepie should be...I know you and darrow's hearts are broken nothing I can say will ease the pain. There is another bright star in the heavens cindy (hugs) |
| I am so sorry for Your loss. Take care! |
| I haven't been on this site for a few days. I always dread when I see a new posting in this area. I am so sorry for your loss. Nelson will always be in your heart. |
| Thanks, everyone. It's really strange seeing his bed empty now, or to not see him under the tree he used to lay under. Still, we take comfort in knowing that his was a life well-lived and that touched so many lives in a positive way. |
| I am so sorry for your loss. |
| Nelson was a wonderful boy. So hard to let them go. Laurie and Oscar |
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