11/08/2026
For those of you who have not had the pleasure of being introduced to Nala, I wanted to make this post .Meet Nala, the heart and soul of Paint A Dream Farm.
Nala is our 5-year-old Australian Shepherd, but to us, she’s so much more than just a dog.
We brought Nala home when she was just 7 weeks old. She was the very first dog Tom and I bought together, and little did we know just how big of a role she would play in our lives.
If you’ve ever been to our farm, chances are you’ve met Nala. She’s everyone’s favorite, and she knows it. She’s the self-appointed boss of the entire farm, the best goat herder, an incredible rat catcher, and she takes every single one of her jobs VERY seriously. 😂
She greets every visitor with her signature howl, runs circles around everyone trying to herd them together, and then immediately expects butt scratches in return. She has the biggest smile and does these adorable little sneezes when she’s excited or trying to make you happy.
But what makes Nala so special isn’t just her personality. It’s her loyalty.
Nala has been Isla’s best friend and protector since the day she was born. She’s never more than a few feet away from either of us. Whether I’m working around the farm, sitting on the couch, or spending time with family, Nala is right there. At my feet, on my lap, or snuggled up next to me. She’s just as protective of Tom, my parents, and my grandmother. Her entire world revolves around making sure her people are safe.
She’s also been an absolutely incredible momma. Nala has raised three litters of puppies and has brought so much happiness to so many other families. We’re lucky enough to have her puppies and even some of her grandpuppies with us. There are pieces of Nala’s love and personality living in homes all over.
Right now, our girl is fighting for her life at Tufts.
After suffering severe neurological symptoms from ivermectin toxicity, Nala has been hospitalized in intensive care and is now on a ventilator because she cannot breathe adequately on her own. We’re clinging to every tiny improvement, every reflex, every little sign that our girl is still fighting.
One of the hardest things I’ve ever done is stand beside her in the ICU and try to get a reaction out of her. At home, all I have to say is “Nala, get those rats!” and she goes absolutely BONKERS. I’ve been saying those same words to her while she lies in the hospital, just hoping to see her twitch, move, or give me any little sign that she hears me.
I can’t even begin to explain how much that hurts.
The farm feels so different without her. It’s quieter. The goats don’t have their boss, the rats are already getting a little too comfortable, and everywhere I turn, I expect to see my girl following right behind me.
I don’t need her to herd another goat or catch another rat. I just want my dog back.
I want her curled up on the couch with me. I want her following me from room to room. I want to hear her ridiculous howl when someone pulls into the driveway. I want Isla to have her best friend back.
Nala has spent five years taking care of everyone around her, and now it’s our turn to take care of her.
Her veterinary care has already required a $10,000 deposit, and with her ongoing ICU hospitalization and ventilator support, the expenses continue to grow. We’re doing absolutely everything we can to give her the chance to come home.
If you’ve ever met Nala, loved one of her puppies, visited our farm, or simply understand how much a dog can mean to a family, please consider donating or sharing her story.
Every single donation, share, prayer, and positive thought means more to us than I could ever put into words.
She’s only 5 years old. She has so much life left to live, so many goats left to herd, so many rats left to catch, and most importantly, so many more years of loving her family.
We just want our Nuggie Butt home. ❤️🐾
