Jasper Lily at six months

Has Jasper really been a part of my world for six months already? It feels like MUCH longer. Like she has always been here. She has 100% made herself at home. She knows where her home is and she’s actually quite smart. She’s also very much a royal PITA on the days she doesn’t get enough exercise or attention. Often time my neighbors can hear me saying “what is in your mouth, Jasper”, or “bring it to mama” or “Jasper Lily, for the LOVE OF GOD give me some space”! I get that I am her WHOLE world and she is a small piece of my world but she is indeed becoming a bigger part of it.

And that every night goes a little like this — my Facebook status from earlier this week:

List of things Jasper has had in her mouth tonight in the hour I have been home from work.
1. My shoes
2. The remote
3. My iPad
4. My winter coat
5. The bedroom door frame
6. The pillows on the couch

I love that she is so happy to see me when I get home, even if only it is because she has to potty and she would be happy to see the mailman if he let her outside.

I love that she gets excited around meal times – as if it is the most important part of her day.

I love that she squeals with delight when we go for our 2nd walk in the morning (yup, she gets 2 walks before work – I get a LOT done between 4:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.).

I love how when we go for our walks, she is so focused, as if she is working and pays no attention (aka does not lunge) at any other dogs. I still wish she would hurry up a bit faster though.

I love that if she is sleeping on the couch and since you never wake a sleeping baby, I will sneak past her to bed and w/in minutes, she comes running in, begging to get up on the bed. I love how when she first gets on the bed, she rolls around with such glee – as if it is the best thing she has ever felt – knowing she probably spent nights on the street or fighting for her own space in the hoarding home.

I love that is learning to embrace many of her fears and I no longer find her under the bed or cowering in a corner. I love how when I tell her “no bark”, she still continues with the ‘growlies’ as if to have the last word – always. That is 100% Shelby right there!

And I love best when she is peaceful and sleeping. I know that I will miss the puppy days … there is so MUCH more to Jasper then could ever be put on her Petfinder bio. She has blossomed and I think this is the REAL Jasper Lily.

So Jasper Lily… here’s to another six months and many more. Thank you for worming your way into my heart and understanding that my heart is still missing the “love of my life” and you are happy and able to share. You are a good little dog with so much love to give!

Jasper’s Petfinder Photo

Together … we can enjoy the beach!

“What, madre? You mean you didn’t want me to eat out of the trash and pull your socks and tights out of the drawer while you were in the shower?”

“Let’s play, madre, let’s play!”

FINALLY!!!! She does sleep!

Even though I couldn’t reach my wine, I wasn’t going to wake her…