From Nashville to Norway: The Quest for Nova, the Rare Icelandic Sheepdog

Three years ago, if you told me I'd be traversing continents for a canine companion, I'd have laughed. My life revolved around my wife, Jenn, and our two young boys. But life has its ways. Jenn, with foresight only mothers possess, said, “Our boys need a fur buddy.” So, began my journey into the world of dogs.

Using Pet Finder, akin to deciphering car models and makes, my search criteria birthed an unexpected result - the Icelandic Sheepdog. An unfamiliar breed, their name resonated with ancient tales and rugged landscapes. My curiosity led me south, to a local breeder. Our excitement was short-lived, met with the curt response that these canines were “show dogs, not family dogs.” Disheartened but not defeated, we ventured to Michigan. There, we found Kylo, our first Icelandic Sheepdog. Look at him here struggling to be a family dog :-/

With his unique Wolf Sable coat, he wasn't just to later become a Grand Champion in shows but in our hearts too. Maybe.. just maybe.. two things can be true at once!

The Saga of Nova Begins

Fast forward two years, whispers emerged about Nova, another gem of the Icelandic Sheepdog lineage. Chocolate-brown in hue, she was the dream of many "show dog breeders". However, her Norwegian breeder, with a discerning eye, set a firm stipulation. Nova wasn't to be shipped like an Amazon package; she was to be carried home, in the protective embrace of her new family. My wife cast me the challenge, and, filled with love for the breed and visions of her playing with our boys, I accepted.

The Journey: Of Skies, Roads, and Boundless Hopes

The mission sounded simple on paper but was Herculean in practice.

The Flight Dance: Four airlines played their part in this intricate dance across the skies. 40 hours, each ticking second filled with anticipation.

The Road Less Traveled: Three rental cars witnessed 15 hours of my relentless drive, each mile bringing me closer to Nova.

Rest When Tired: Amidst this whirlwind journey, two hotel rooms across three nights became my fleeting sanctuaries; the final night being with Nova. We made a pact - She would be her best version and trust me that I will get her home to these children.

The route unfurled like this: From the melodies of Nashville, through the bustling heartbeat of New York, to the tranquil embrace of Oslo. Sunday saw me on the road again, wheels humming their way to Andelsnes. Here, in the cradle of her birthplace, I bonded with Nova, her eyes holding stories of ancient lands and legends.

The return wasn't simpler. Together, we soared from Alesund, through Amsterdam's canals in the sky, to the sprawling vastness of Atlanta. With every checkpoint, be it customs, CDC, or airline regulations, Nova and I faced it hand in paw.

Home is Where the Heart (and Nova) is

Tuesday evening painted the skies in hues of orange and magenta as Nova and I, smelling of adventures and tireless determination, reached Murfreesboro. The sight of our house, with Kylo eagerly waiting and the boys, now 5 and 7, running with glee, was the culmination of our odyssey. We both had a stench only a loving family could stand, but alas, I had fulfilled my promise.

Nova isn't just a dog; she is a testament to human determination, love, and the lengths one would go to for family. Today, she revels in bedtime stories and playful tussles with the boys, and maybe tomorrow, she'll grace the show rings. But for now, she's our family's treasure, reminding us daily of our epic journey from Nashville to Norway.