Every rescue story has that one dog who arrives with a little extra baggage, a questionable reputation, and absolutely no intention of leaving. In our house, that dog is Jasper. Jasper’s story began in the bush, where he was found abandoned as a tiny puppy alongside his littermates. Thankfully, a vet came across the little family and gave them a chance at life. It was the beginning of a much better chapter, although nobody could have predicted quite how that chapter would turn out! When Jasper was introduced to us, he came with a rather impressive review: the most difficult one of the bunch. Well, that’s always encouraging, isn’t it? Most people get a lovely introduction about how sweet, gentle and easy-going a dog is. We got the equivalent of a warning label!
But there was something about Jasper.
Behind those beautiful eyes was a little soul desperately looking for someone to connect with. You could almost see him asking: “Are you my person? Because I’m really hoping you are.” And apparently, he had already made his decision before he communicated it to me.
The Foster Fail
The original plan, naturally, was to find a great home for Jasper. For anyone unfamiliar with rescue terminology, fostering means temporarily looking after a dog until a suitable forever home is found. A foster fail, on the other hand, is what happens when the dog successfully completes a hostile takeover of your heart and, eventually, your entire daily routine. Jasper was particularly successful in this department. Somewhere along the way, he became mine. Jasper had found his person. And apparently, I had found my permanent shadow.
DNA Doesn’t Lie – Even If the Dog Looks Suspicious!
Curiosity eventually got the better of me, so Jasper had a DNA test. The results revealed that his parents were purebred Huntaway and Border Collie. Now, that explains a LOT! Take the intelligence of a Border Collie, add the working-dog determination of a Huntaway, mix thoroughly, and you get Jasper. A dog who can probably solve a complicated mathematical problem, organize a small agricultural operation and work out exactly where you’ve hidden the treats. Unfortunately, all that intelligence doesn’t necessarily mean he uses it for productive purposes. Jasper has the brains to understand almost everything you say. Whether he chooses to cooperate is an entirely different matter. He is clever, observant, quick to learn and always watching. I sometimes suspect he is collecting information about the crew and preparing a very detailed report.
My Shadow Has Four Legs and a Very Personal Space Problem
If you ever wonder where Jasper is, there’s a simple answer: Wherever I am. Bathroom? Jasper is there. Kitchen? Jasper is there. Garden? Jasper is there. Sitting down for five minutes? Congratulations, you already know the answer.
Jasper doesn’t really understand the concept of personal space. He considers it an unnecessary human invention designed to keep people away from perfectly good cuddles. He is incredibly affectionate and needs to be close. Not just somewhere in the same room, mind you. Close. Preferably touching. Ideally, positioned so that moving even one leg requires submitting an official request. Ruby understands exactly what “close” means and agrees with him. And if I disappear from his field of vision, I can practically hear the internal alarm going off: “Excuse me! Where are you going? We haven’t finished cuddling!” He has appointed himself my personal bodyguard, emotional support officer, security consultant and full-time supervisor. The salary is apparently unlimited cuddles, and he is extremely satisfied with the employment conditions.
From the Bush to the Boss of the House
Sometimes I think about that little puppy abandoned in the bush with his brothers and sisters. The puppy who arrived with the reputation of being the most difficult one. I wonder what would have happened if nobody had looked beyond that label. Because behind the challenging introduction was a dog who simply wanted to feel safe, loved and connected.
Today, Jasper is part of our crew, and I wouldn’t change him for anything. He is clever, loving, loyal, affectionate and occasionally convinced that he is the most important member of the household. He probably is convinced of that. And judging by the amount of attention he receives, he might have a point.
Jasper didn’t just fail at being a foster dog. He succeeded spectacularly at becoming family.
Some dogs find a pack. Others find their person. Jasper found both. And I suspect he intends to keep me under permanent supervision for the rest of my life. Which is perfectly fine by me. ❤️🐾
Welcome to the crew, Jasper. Your permanent position as my shadow has been confirmed. No resignation permitted.
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