Amira was a life changing dog.

When we imported her from Germany from her breeder, Frank Gottschalk, I was blacklisted by much of the Bergamasco community for bringing in a different line. At the time, it was painful. Looking back, Amira turned out to be more than a wonderful dog. She became the gatekeeper of my social circles. She helped remove people from my life who were never meant to stay, and at the same time led me toward many of the people I now call my friends.

Amira was loyal beyond any dog I have ever known. I used to say that I could walk through New York City with her off leash in a crowd and she would never leave my side. She was that kind of partner. I am pretty sure no one could love me more than God, my mom, and Amira. Joe may have something to say about that, but the song does not allow for a fourth person.

Her contribution to our breeding program is difficult to overstate. She did more than improve the overall health and structure of our dogs. She changed the direction of the program itself. Amira had two litters, and for her first she was bred to a male from the beginning of our maternal line. That breeding helped make it possible for us to continue that line through six generations. The biggest improvements in our dogs really began with Amira. She produced better than herself, and without her we would not have Faggia, Freya, Nova, Zora, Martensa, and now Persy. We owe an enormous part of our program to her.

Amira did not love showing, but she still found success. I was her exclusive handler, which makes her Best of Opposite Sex win at Westminster and her Owner Handled Best in Show especially meaningful to me. She also completed her Championship and Grand Championship within just a couple of weekends.

At home, Amira was an excellent farm dog. She was very good with livestock and birds, and her gentle nature even made her a favorite among our chickens.

Amira came to us in 2012, the year Joe and I were married. She was part of Emmy and Ava’s school years and was there with all of us through so many changes. She loved her whole family, but she was very much my girl.

The bond I had with Amira went beyond what I can easily put into words. It felt spiritual and almost telepathic. We had an understanding.

She died peacefully in her bed in our bedroom, the same place she slept every night. I hope there was comfort in the familiarity of her routine and surroundings. More than anything, I hope she knew how deeply she was loved.

Amira changed my life, changed my friendships, changed my breeding program, and changed me. I will carry her with me always.