12.14.14 – Jasper conquers two of her biggest fears!
Almost 6 months since Jasper came to live with me and she conquered two of her biggest fears to date; the beach and riding in the car.
Jasper rides ON the seat!
At first I thought it was a fluke when Jasper scrambled to get in the back seat of my car last week as opposed to her usual floor position on the passenger side (all while shooting me daggers with her eyes). But today, as we drove to the dog park, she sat in the backseat like a good girl and was pretty relax. Leaving the dog park, she seemed happy and settled. As we drove home, I thought since it was sunset, we should check out the sunset by the beach (about 3/4 mile from our home). And see if she still feared it.
She did GREAT!!!
Watching the sunset
I cannot believe how much she has grown in the 6 months with me. She has come out of her shell, embraced her life and people always tell me “what a happy dog”. Shelby was a “happy dog” from day one. Jasper has become a happy dog and that fills my heart with tremendous pride and joy.
I don’t believe it’s anything really I have done – I have been exasperated, annoyed and less than willing to open my heart to her. But she has worked really hard and I am so proud of her. So proud! She is such a good little dog.
She will never be Shelby nor does she want to be (nor do I). But Shelby sent her to me. Shelby wanted me to smile. Shelby wanted to cut me some slack for the years and years of “bad dog” behavior.
I’ve made it no secret that I detest the holidays but at the urging of some friends here, I got Jasper a baby tree. I am going to make her first Christmas with her forever family the absolute best that it can be. I had to make her a little ornament since I couldn’t find the kiosk at the mall that sells the ones with the names. All of Shelby’s ornaments are there too. And I got Jasper a new holiday collar and a ton of toys that I will try and wrap when she isn’t looking. 🙂
Christmas tree and her ornament (and Shelby’s too)
New holiday collar
I want Jasper to feel all the love that she has never felt and know that she is safe with me. My heart is still forever broken and I miss Shelby every day BUT I do feel love for Jasper. I care deeply for her. And I think she loves me too! 🙂
Awwwww! Jasper you are such a little doll. You continue to make me smile whenever I see how you are growing in leaps and bounds from the scared little girl you were six months ago (can it really be only six months?). I love to see the Christmas pictures and know that you will have your best Christmas EVER! You and your mama have done a masterful job of rescuing each other. Keep it up!
Kathi and Murphy
December 15th, 2014 at 5:19 amAlison! You’ve done it again girl…got me laughing and crying at the sa.e time! They are tears ofjoy though!!!
She looks so adorable and confient in the back seat of the car! So funny how she claimed her new space!
And those bottom two pictures….Jasper looking at HER FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE…..AND STOCKING WITH HER NAME…..ADORAAAAAABLE!!!
That look she’s giving as she proudly wears her new collar…she is soooo cute and sooooo pretty!!
And Shelby’s ornament adds the perfect touch to the tree!
Seeing Jasper Lily with her “I own this beach” swag on just lights up my world!!
She FEELS your love Alison and feels you can finally accept her love and accept her for being her own dog…THAT is what’s building up her confidence. She knows she has FINALLY found her forever loving home!
This is a great blog today..on so many levels!!
Love and hugs to you and Jasper Lily! I know this makes Shelby so proud of her little self for bringing you Jasper!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle too!
December 15th, 2014 at 6:20 amI absolutely love this post, Alison! With every new post, I can see you heart healing a little bit more. I am so glad that you and sweet Jasper have each other. No dog will ever “replace” Shelby, but I do believe our hearts have room to embrace another fur baby. I wish you both a Merry Christmas and the best coming new year! Keep the pictures coming!
December 15th, 2014 at 2:22 pm~Betsy
I just love these Jasper updates!! She just keeps surprising us with her ever growing confidence…and that’s all because of you and the love and security you provide her.
It’s so wonderful to see her come up off the floor board of your car to actually enjoy riding on the seat. Next step is looking at the window…maybe even getting a little of that Pacific breeze on the nose.
And I’m so happy that you and Jasper are celebrating Christmas. Even though I’m not doing a tree this year…posted all about that on your forum…I still bought Lucian a $115 worth of treats and toys for Christmas (ssshhh don’t tell hubby he’d think I lost my mind…lol). I’ll put it all in a bag with tissue paper and let him have at it on Christmas morning.
Anyway…great post and thanks for the smiles!!
Hugs to you and Jasper!
December 15th, 2014 at 5:53 pmSahana and her Angel Leland
Sorry…I meant to say “out the window” not “at the window”. My brain is working way faster than my fingers with typing…lol.
December 15th, 2014 at 5:54 pmI love the fact that she has made such improvements her confidence and yours are coming back. Yes, different all together but that is normal (or as normal as one can expect around here LOL). I am happy to see that you got her own gift & her own stocking and a small tree.
Each tradition that you have with her helps both of you to heal.
((((((((((Alison))))))))))))))
Hugs
December 16th, 2014 at 12:46 amMichelle & Angel Sassy