Rest In Peace Skye

Recently Skye has been heavy in my mind and in my heart, so I had to start this news feed with a tribute to her. Saying goodbye to Skye was probably one of the most difficult days in my life, if not the most difficult. Certainly I never thought that day I went to go get her, agreeing to give her a 'temporary' home... that I would ever fall in love. Skye was living her life in a barn stall, just a pup herself, having recently lost a litter and almost passing away with her pups... while her owners did everything they could to save her, as they went through some traumatic times themselves... and tried to hold on to her as long as they could, when finally they just couldn't anymore. Young and under-socialized, a frightened Skye made her way to me. There was so much whispering around her when I started bringing her around with me to training practices and events. No one thought this dog would be able to even be slightly 'normal' let alone learn anything. Not only did Skye have a rough start in life, she was diagnosed with epilepsy just shortly after I brought her home. Then I knew Skye was home to stay... and I saw that glint in her eye. I knew we would prove them all wrong.. and we sure did. Because of Skye I dove into the books, finding out everything I could about epilepsy... Skyler turned me into a researcher, which led me to know I wanted to be a scientist. Because of Skye I learned about epilepsy (and other disorders) that haunted the lineages of Border Collies and Australian Shepherds... and gave me the passion to breed healthy dogs, and preserve a breed I loved with the research passion to breed better.. because of Skye I built my line of Australian Shepherds which is truly why I think I was put on this earth. Nothing makes me happier than researching pedigrees, other than of course, having a litter from all that work... Because of Skye I knew that one day I would breed border collies, but that day would come later, when I was ready.. I raised and trained my 3 border collies in various sports, they were multiple titled and had amazing lives... retiring two off in their old age to homes where they could relax without so many feisty young dogs bothering them... but Skye stayed with me.... and a few years later, I knew it was the right time... I brought a BC puppy home to start the new venture (Priya) and knew that Skye would teach her everything about being an awesome border collie before she had to leave for the bridge... and she certainly did. Now I have my first little litter of BC puppies, that I am so proud of. I worked hard and will continue to do so to bring BC puppies into the world that Skye would be proud to say she inspired me. I could write so much more, but no matter how much I write I could never write everything about how Skye changed my life, made me a better person, or helped to build a healthy line of Australian Shepherds, and now Border Collies. Skye was my heart dog, and she saved me... Without her I'd still be flailing, not knowing where I belonged, or what I was supposed to do. She showed me my purpose in life... I owe her everything. Rest in peace Skye, I love you forever and always my beautiful smart girl... my heart will be whole when I see you again.

Skyler RPT DD FMX MBDCH TFE

April 16, 2002 - February 27, 2015