16/09/2025
Sad news the passing of Presley. Please keep Krista and family in your thoughts and prayers. She was a beautiful precious collie and dearly missed.
Krista writes:
Yesterday we said goodbye to one of the best beings God ever created. I'd wanted a collie for decades and Debbie Eickstead helped make that happen. Presley came from Houston Collie Rescue where her mom was taken in from a horrible hoarding situation in August of 2014. "Izzy" was born into safety in the home of her wonderful foster mom, Karen Morris Heuer. She really wanted to keep this little girl but made the very tough decision to let me adopt her. I wanted to eventually get her certified as a therapy dog and Karen knew her baby girl would be so good at this. I lost my Dad 30 years ago and the "pet therapy" he received at Methodist hospital truly helped him get through the last months of his life. I wanted to pay that back.
At two and a half years of age, Presley was accepted into PAWS for Service in San Antonio, TX. Therapy dog organizations just don't get any better than this. Lynnette Parsons Mitchell and Allen L. Fuller were very instrumental in guiding us into the program.
After graduating, Presley and I started our journey as a therapy dog team in Spring of 2017 with the amazing Bernadette Virok Barnes and her Gus as our mentors. We started in assisted living and stayed in that facility for almost seven years. I even moved my Mother there for her last few years on this earth. Along the way, Presley and I did many special events at schools, businesses and during college finals. We went to Uvalde to provide comfort after the awful events that took place there. We started visiting at area ABCs that provide support and learning for children with autism. This is were my beautiful girl truly began to shine. Earlier this year, we were given the opportunity to work at Morgan's MAC helping children with disabilities along with their families and the staff. This place is one of a kind and I can't thank them enough. This was Presley's true calling. She was always calm and patient and worked hard to make those connections. I've never seen a dog think so hard to figure out how to help someone in need. She was gifted.
In June of this year, Presley developed a nagging cough. It was treated and she got better but then it came back. On August 4th, she was diagnosed with cancer. With the help of her amazing vet, Dr. Thomas A Ramsey Dvm, the staff at North Star 410 Animal Hospital, Brian Jurak, Jennifer Sorenson and her wonderful husband, Leisa Bateman Parsons, Doug Welch and as always, Susan Dancer, we developed a plan. Presley continued to work at MAC until she just wore out. Her last day "on the job" she was interviewing potential dog candidates for our Spring Class. I knew that evening that she was done.
On Monday, we had a quality of life visit with Dr. Ramsey. The tumor had grown but her bloodwork was improved. I thought we had more time. On Wednesday she started a downhill slide and on Thursday my dear husband, Todd Greene, and I made the tough decision. Again. I want to thank Dr. Ramsey and the staff at North Star 410 Animal Hospital. This is never easy but they made it a very calm and low stress situation. My girl went peacefully. After she was gone, I removed her collar and wrapped it around my wrist. I felt her still with me.
We had our first night of the Thursday night Fall PAWS class last night and as a training assistant I knew I needed to be there. Special thanks to Jason for picking me up and taking me. Thanks to Bobby Angel Price for the kind words and Doug for the hug. I will continue to work as a training assistant until my new little poodle puppy, Dita, can interview for the Fall of 2027 class! She's got some mighty big paws to fill.
Presley, you took a piece of my heart with you. And you will be in mine forever. Rest in peace my dear, sweet girl. You are loved. Always.
