Jasper Lily at eight months

Oops… I counted last month as her 6th month anniversary of finding her fur-ever home with me but it actually was her 7th. No wonder it felt longer! So Jasper has been with me for 8 long months!  Sometimes  I can’t believe that she hasn’t always been a part of my life and other times, it still feels new, like when I discover a new weird quirk of hers.  Her new phobia is riding in the car IF I open the windows or the sunroof. She freaks out and crawls down on the floor and tries to get under the seats. Going to be a long summer for her if she doesn’t enjoy the wind in those big dumbo ears.

A list of things I have learned about Jasper since last June:

1. She is definitely NOT a non-barking dog; she barks when people ring the doorbell but then proceeds (usually) to low-growl for up to 30 minutes after. I get that she’s letting me know she’s uncomfortable with her situation but it really is unnecessary.

2. She likes to ‘herd’ dogs at the dog park. She usually finds a little white dog (maybe she thinks it is a sheep) and proceeds to herd, including her signature bark. It is about that time we have to leave since she never seems to let up and that sound is NOT music to anyone’s ears.

3. She cuddles. A lot. ALL the time. I thought she was feeling ill but nope, she’s become a cuddle dog – has to be touching me. Again, going to be a long summer if she thinks that is OK when it’s 100 in the apt. She’s like a little oven.

4. She can go from play to sleep in a matter of minutes. It’s funny to watch and a true joy to see her finally rest. But her bedtime (decided by her) at 8:00 p.m. still results in a 4:30 a.m. wake-up call.

5. She needs, at least, 2 miles of walking a day. More is great but at least 2 usually makes her pleasant to be around in the evenings (aka NOT all up in my face with her toys).

6. She is very photogenic. She really is. She loves / tolerates her photos being taken except selfies. She hates those. Yet she will let me hold her.

7. She likes to build forts with my pillows on the couch. I never see her do it but it’s funny to see what she can create. Always with her babies.

I still struggle, daily, with my love for Jasper and my deep love and missing of my beloved Shelby Lynne. I know Shelby sent me Jasper and I know she picked out a great one … one that likes to take photos, go places, and cuddles but it’s an internal struggle still for me to fully let myself love Jasper. It’s not to say that I do not love Jasper because I really do. I love her very much. I am happy to see her when I get home. But I stop in my tracks sometimes with an intense pain and longing for Shelby. And what was …

Today I caught Jasper (she’s done this a couple times) trying to crawl up my bookcase – where the “shrine” of Shelby is. It has Shelby’s ashes, her tiara, photos, her figurines, and all the pennies and bling she has sent me. I picked Jasper up so she could see her toys weren’t up there. And she sniffed at the box where Shelby’s ashes are. Does she know? Did she want to give loves to her big sister? I do not know. I know that Jasper knows that Shelby is still here and in my heart daily.

Jasper has eased up with her late night growlies but the low-growl still cracks me up. I know it must be that Shelby visits less. Because maybe Shelby knows I am doing better. Last night I found Jasper at the end of my bed, in Shelby’s spot. Jasper always sleeps up close to me but last night, I looked down and there She was. Maybe Shelby wasn’t visiting last night.

I do love this little dog and she has definitely won the hearts of every one who meets her. She is, indeed, very sweet, loving and affectionate. She is always ‘more dog’ … seeing the best in people no matter what. And I think, deep down, she knows she has a great life. She was hand-picked for me by my best girl and I am grateful. She makes life fun again and I smile a lot more. I’ll always miss Shelby more than life itself but I am happy to have a new partner in crime!

Jasper DOES smile!

Mom went to Disneyland and all I got are these lousy mouse ears…

“let me go, let me go… I know there is a squirrel up there!”

Reflective. Contemplative. Enjoying nature on our daily walk. EARS up!