Jasper Vincent
(December 13, 2001 – July 27, 2010)
Jasper was an incredible 4-legged companion. I have so many good memories of him that it is difficult to know where to begin. I miss him so much!
Jasper came from the Greeley Pet Store in the mall in February 2002. He was chosen by Jesse, his boy and was brought home as a surprise. Jasper whined all the way home in the car. It was Jasper’s first car trip when we realized Jas did not like riding. He was the first dog I’ve had that didn’t like the car; in fact, he would show his displeasure by barfing on whatever was closest to him! It only took a couple of car rides to figure out Jasper got car sick.
Jasper loved to have his tummy rubbed. He would actually smile when he rolled over. It looked so funny to see him grin! Over the years, Jasper learned that tennis shoes meant “walk” and so did saying “mail.” I had to stop wearing my tennis shoes for anything but walking because Jas would get so excited when he saw I had them on. Whenever I left to go to work, Jasper would sit by the back door. He trained me to give him a Milkbone dog biscuit from the garage before I got into the car. He was always waiting for me when I got back. The house seems so empty now when I return and he is not there. When the door bell rings now, the house remains quiet. There is no more booming bark or howling to let me know we have company. Dogs can walk by our fence without being “yelled” at by Jasper. They probably miss him, too. He patrolled the back yard and kept it free of intruders.
Bunnies were another of Jasper’s loves. He “talked” when he saw them in front of the house or when we were on a walk. He loved to chase them when he had a chance. Jasper really liked it when one of his kitty friends, Bynx or Opee, brought home a baby bunny. They didn’t get to keep it long – well, let’s just say, Jasper really liked bunnies.
Jasper could be an anxious dog. It made him really nervous when he wasn’t pleasing those around him. He didn’t like for me to be mad at him (or anyone else, for that matter!). He would act edgy until I told him “It’s okay!” Thunder completely unnerved him and so did firecrackers. My normally macho dog was transformed into a whining, worried sissy! Sometimes the only way to calm him was to put that 70 lb. dog on my lap in the Lazyboy and rock him!
Jasper had a joyful spirit about him. He was mischievous, loving and loyal. He was so full of personality! I miss his company, his “confused dog look” but most of all I miss his unconditional love. Jasper was truly one of a kind!