Jasper Lily at 11 months!

WOW… I simply cannot believe Jasper Lily has been a part of my life for almost an entire year. We are definitely looking forward to a happy celebration for that milestone. Especially considering I wasn’t even sure I was going to keep her for the first couple of months (yes… looking back, it was months).

I simply adore this quirky little dog – for all her “issues”, “expressions” (who knew ears could be so expressive), mannerisms, personality. She also has the weirdest smile I’ve ever seen on a dog … so much so that I almost prefer her signature “resting bitch face” since sometimes it’s just creepy!

How many photos to get a smile?!?

She has definitely come out of her shell and I do believe I see the REAL Jasper Lily most of the time.

She still spooks more than Shelby ever did – at random things. The low growl is less (and I almost miss it). She’s getting better in the car (still not her favorite thing but I think she tolerates it better).

She continues to push limits and boundaries. And it’s hard to punish a submissive dog because I truly believe it kills a part of her spirit. Shelby was fearless when I disciplined her. When Shelby destroyed the trash, she would look at me with such pride and no remorse. Only once have I seen Jasper truly proud of her ‘bad-dog’ tendencies.

What, madre?!? So proud of her mess.

But most of the time, when Jasper does wrong and I catch her, she goes to her bed (or under my bed) and pouts, sulks and looks like I took away ALL her toys and beat her senseless (which of course I would never do).

Jasper has made a single cat friend and I think that is because the cat is dog-friendly. Most of the cats run when we see them and Jasper tries to chase. Her addiction to hunting squirrels is like nothing I have ever seen and further proves she will never be an ‘off-leash’ dog. It isn’t safe for her as she would dart into a street if she saw something she wanted to chase.

Kitty loves!

Taunted by the squirrel

Every. Single. Day. Hunting Squirrels

Jasper is usually so happy to see me whenever I get home – even if it’s only after an hour of being gone. I hear her body-slamming herself against the door as I walk up the stairs to my apt.

She’s adorable, a healthy mixture of hilarious and crazy and cuddles … she is EXACTLY what I needed and the “love of my life” knew what she was doing when she guided me to Jasper.

I am happy I was able to open my heart, embrace love again and know that it in no way diminishes the love I had and will always have for Shelby. Jasper has found her way into my heart and she cuddles up closer each and every day.

And most of all…. I think the frown and sad lines have started to fade from my eyes … the scars have left and the sparkle as come back into my eyes. Do I still miss Shelby? EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. But I know that Shelby wants and NEEDS me to love again. And for that, I am thankful for little Jasper Lily.