Jasper

Jasper

Oct. 11 2002 ~ Aug. 13 2012

I have not blogged for a while as I have not been able to write about the loss of my best friend, loyal companion and my heart.  Over the next few blogs I will be telling his story, maybe it will help others and bring me some peace.

 Jasper was a sweet boy with an old soul.  His eyes said it all, he touched many hearts.  His calm manner and patience I have not seen in many dogs.  Jasper was very intuitive, he knew when to give people or animals their space, he didn’t push.  Jasper would wait till they overcame their own fears and accepted him.  He socialize many puppies, aggressive dogs, and he was a quiet leader who had respect from other members in his pack.  Jasper did not have to fight or show aggression his quiet unassuming demeanor said it all.  I enjoyed training with Jasper so much that I became a dog trainer, and Jasper was my only partner.  He built my business with his well mannered behavior.  Our relationship reflected our respect, love and devotion which my clients wanted to have with their own dogs. 

 Jasper and I enjoyed our time working together, and we were an excellent team who read each other well.  As he got older I recognized that while Jasper enjoyed being with me, his health was taking a toll, so I retired him earlier this year.  Over the last year Jasper bonded strongly with my husband, who has not been well.  I stepped back because I knew Jasper could help heal and I wanted Jasper to enjoy being the center of our lives and with my business,  our other two dogs, so my time was limited.  Jasper and I continued to have a special relationship but he also was spoiled by my husband and the two of them enjoyed their time together.  Jasper was very loved and appreciated because he was so special.

 Jasper was an amazing therapy dog.  I have seen people petrified of dogs who in time were able to pet Jasper.  Many of the people in the retirement home over the years loved Jasper’s visits, including the staff.  Jasper was so comfortable with his visits it was like his second home.  He loved getting his back scratched, laying at their feet and just saying “hi” to everyone that he saw.  He was always excited to go on his pet visits and I know he is sadly missed.

 I know my heart will always be empty where once Jasper filled it with his love and friendship.  I recognize the special gift Jasper was in my life, what he gave and I was blessed to have shared this bond with such a sweet loyal friend.

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Dogs and the Heat

This is a good time to remind people about their canine friends and the heat.  Taking proper precautions will keep your pet cool and safe from heat stroke.  Dogs need adequate fresh cold water, I like to add ice cubes or crushed ice.  If you are traveling with your pet always have cool water assessable using a portable container.  For the backyard, have cool drinking water, and maybe a small pool or sprinkler.  A dog cannot not sit out in the hot sun all day they must have shaded areas where they can cool down.  Tents, gazebos, trees offer shade for your furry friends.  I do not let my dogs spend much time out in the hot humid heat, I prefer that they are in an air conditioned areas where they can lie on a cool floor, this is best for all dogs.  If it’s too hot outside for humans than its too hot for your pets.  

 NEVER EVER leave your dog in a car when it is hot even with the windows open.  It amazes me how these warnings go out every year and yet people still leave their dogs in cars with windows up and no water, it only takes seconds for animals to be in distress and minutes before its too late to save them.  Be responsible and be a good owner, never leave your dog in a car when it is hot outside.

 Older animals, sick, short nosed and overweight animals need to be watched more closely as they are more sensitive when exposed to the heat.  Certain breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, boxers etc. are more susceptible to being affected by the heat as they have poor panting mechanisms.

 When you walk your dog it is best to do in the morning or evening when the pavement is cool on their paws.  Don’t over exert them, go too far or run them in the heat.  Bring water with you to give your animal even on short walks.

 Taking just a few precautions will keep your canine friend cool and safe during the hot days of summer!