Story by Alex Kanaval
Jasper was more than a dog to me, he was my companion through the journey of my life. Whether we were camping under the stars or grabbing a bite downtown, he was always by my side. He was my biggest fan at my volleyball games and the one I would cuddle and relax with on the couch after a long day.
I wasn’t the only one lucky enough to receive the love Jasper had to give. Every new person was Jasper’s new friend. When I look back on my experiences with Jasper, I think of how he wasn’t just mine, he was everyone’s. When I refer to moments and use “we” instead of “I”, it’s because I am talking about the community of friends and family he held. Everyone would light up with excitement when they saw him and my heart would swell with happiness knowing how much he was loved.
Jasper had a kind and friendly grin, which we affectionately called his “jackal smile.” He was eager for any new adventure, whether a simple walk down the street, a hike in the mountains, hanging out at a restaurant downtown meeting new friends, or seeing his usual loved ones. He probably knew that the rules at home no longer applied on an adventure and that’s why he was so eager, especially when it came to getting special treats or helping his friends with their leftovers! Grandma and Grandpa’s was a place to get lots of extra love and even better treats. He knew he would start the day with a sweet treat from Grandpa and be given a hearty dinner full of leftovers from Grandma.
Jasper was eager to go camping, he knew there would be new places to explore and new smells to sniff. Jasper was a good boy who listened well. On occasion, I would let him hike off-leash staying close but if he started to wonder, he knew with one blow of my whistle that it was time to come back to Dad. The practice may have really taken hold after one especially stinky camping trip. Jasper was curious and following a scent. At this time, he had only interacted with cats or other dogs. He found a little creature that he thought looked an awful lot like his cat brother, Mitters. It was dark and chilly and by the time we found out what was happening it was too late, Jasper had been formally introduced to a skunk. Thankfully it wasn’t a direct hit. My friends and I were able to immediately give him a bath and Jasper’s happy camper attitude turned sour for the rest of the night. It’s little memories like these that make me laugh and remember Jasper for the dog he was.
Jasper served as the spirited mascot of our volleyball team, attending nearly every game. He always wore his own matching team jersey and was there to provide support for our players. He uplifted morale during challenging matches and helped drive the team to many winning seasons and multiple championships. The seasons won’t be the same.
He was the best big brother to his sister, Lana, who joined our family a little over a year ago shortly after she was born. He was Lana’s protector and teacher. He helped keep Lana in line and she learned so much from him. This has helped her become an amazing puppy. I’m so happy that part of Jasper will continue to live on through her. I see part of him in her every day. He would always keep an eye on everything, surveying his kingdom, and making sure things were going as they should. If they weren’t, he would let you know. Sometimes he took his role a bit too seriously and would break up other dogs playing around. He just wanted everyone to lounge around and love on him. That’s how he got the nickname “The fun police” and yet he was also called a “princess”. He was tough and sweet.
Now that he’s gone, I miss the sound of his tail wagging and hitting my bed frame when he was lying on his bed. I miss how as soon as someone got up from the couch he would steal your spot. Jasper, you’ll always be my little spot-stealer. I miss how excited he would get for his meals and more importantly to him, his toothbrush treats after. At treat time, I would hold the treat and say “genties”, so he knew to softly grab it from my hand, and would take it with such care. I miss when I would look over at him lying on the couch, I would see him staring at me. I miss his adorable little underbite. I even miss what we would call “the banana noise”, a noise he would make when licking that drove me nuts. He seemed to love to make this noise in the middle of the night and wake me up. I’d give anything to hear his banana noise one more time. It’s the little things.
The day you left, Jasper, a piece of me went with you. It’s a hollow place in my heart that I will never get back. That space will always belong to you.
The memories I have with Jasper will live with me for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to have called him my friend and my companion. I will always keep a piece of you tucked away in my heart for the rest of my life.
