Nixon Clinton Flash, the loyal dog who accompanied publisher David Flash through more than a decade of adventures, road trips, and reporting across Texas, died Oct. 15, 2025. He was 15.
Half Border Collie and half Springer Spaniel, Nixon was born in November 2010 and adopted by Flash a little over a year later, shortly after the death of his younger brother. “I was broken then, and Nixon helped me heal,” Flash said. “He wasn’t just a dog — he was my heart, my companion, and my comfort through some of the hardest years of my life.”
Nixon became a fixture in Flash’s life and work as publisher of Big Bend Times and Texas Reporter. Known for his calm energy and gentle spirit, he joined Flash on assignments and long drives across the state, winning hearts wherever he went — from the cafés of College Station to the quiet riverbanks of the Rio Grande.
In College Station, Nixon was recognized around downtown spots such as Revolution Café, The Village Café, and Sweet Eugene’s Coffeehouse. Through Aggieland Pets With a Purpose and Hospice Brazos Valley, he comforted nursing-home residents and hospice patients. Flash recalled one hospice visit when Nixon gently placed his paws on a patient’s knees and began licking his hands. “The man just smiled and said, ‘Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy,’ over and over,” Flash said. “That’s who Nixon was — pure kindness.”
Nixon’s life in the Big Bend region brought him endless joy. He loved the grassy banks overlooking the river and would bark at horses crossing on the Mexico side. During the year Flash lived on the Point of Rocks Ranch in Fort Davis, Nixon spent his days exploring the property and watching the desert’s quiet rhythms. Around Marfa, people recognized him instantly and were always kind to him. At the Los Ojitos site in Big Bend Ranch State Park, Nixon reveled in the wide-open space, running free when he was still young enough to do so.
He was also a devoted big brother to his dog sisters, Molly and Bailey. When Molly arrived fearful after a rough start in life, Nixon’s patience helped her trust again. He shared a special bond with Flash’s mother, who could rarely resist slipping him extra treats.
Even as he aged and his hearing faded, Nixon’s gentle presence never wavered. When he could no longer hike, Flash said, he would still see Nixon’s paws move in his sleep — as if he were running again through the mountains he loved.
“Nixon was with me through heartbreak and healing, through quiet nights and long road trips,” Flash said. “He taught me about love, loyalty, and kindness — the kind that lasts forever.”
Nixon Clinton Flash is survived by his human companion, David Flash, and his dog sisters, Molly and Bailey.
Thank you to the team at Stardust Pet Cremations in Austin, Texas for the love, care, professionalism, and dignity y’all brought to Nixon’s final car ride, his cremation, and the delivery of his remains, paw print, hair clippings, and nose print along with lovely flowers and kind, compassionate words.
