He's my best friend even though we have nothing in common. Won't be sticking my head out the window anytime soon during car drives, although it might actually be fun?
2.5 years ago I moved into my first house and decided I wanted a dog. I’ve never owned a dog before and wasn’t even sure what breed I wanted, but at the time I was sure I wanted something small. I began searching through kijiji looking up people posting puppy pictures that they were trying to sell. I flipped through many and although they were cute I didn’t feel any kind of real draw to take action. I came across a page close to my area of puppies available that were black lab/german shepherd mix and even though I initially wanted a small breed I felt super excited about one little guy I saw in the pictures (the last male of the bunch) and instantly called to go pick him up.
I got to these peoples place, who were a young couple living in a basement with a pitbull. The dogs were apparently the persons upstairs but they were in charge of selling them. I walked in and saw this little guy in the corner of the room sleeping, I walked over and picked him up and he sat so calmly in my arms and gave me a kiss and I instantly fell in love. I wasn’t even able to put him down and wanted him in my life right away. Took him home with no idea what I was even doing. I only knew I had this little guy to care for and I was going to try my best.
Jasper just a couple of months old
Since I’ve never owned a dog before I didn’t know about all the training that goes into it. After he was a few months old and got out of the initial cute, slow and clumsy puppy phase he started acting rambunctious. I remember having to constantly be aware of where he was and what he was getting into. I felt on edge constantly. We would wake up and he would instantly want to run around and play, jumping up and biting at me with those sharp little puppy teeth, stealing my things and chewing them, pulling me so hard every walk, barking, biting on the rug, you name it. I was so overwhelmed and started crying so hard one day sitting on the floor. I almost felt like I couldn’t handle having a dog in my life and considered giving him away to someone who knew what they were doing. I cried so much and he came over to me all concerned staring at me, I looked at him and decided I needed to kick my own ass into gear and start learning and becoming a good owner to my dog. I was responsible for him and I didn’t want to be a quitter.
Touching noses while playing with his friend. I'm surprised I was able to capture such a sweet moment.
I spent months reading books, watching videos, studying as much as I could on how to train a dog. I would practice walking with him everyday to teach him how to correctly walk. It was overwhelming but as time went on we eventually got it right. I began to realize how intelligent of a being he actually was, and how amazing it was that I was able to have him in my life and teach him and have him listen and respect me. As time went on things got a lot better, he became calm in the house never chewing on anything, walking politely on the leash, not nipping at me anymore and just overall respecting the rules I had put in place. It’s amazing thinking back now to those times when I was overwhelmed and proud of myself for what I have accomplished by being determined to learn and be strong.
Watching everybody open gifts on Christmas Eve.
He's almost 3 years old now and my best friend. Although we had the initial rough period I have come to see how he is one of the most amazing souls I have ever felt. The way he looks into my eyes and loves and respects me is something I can’t even explain. When I’m upset he always comes over and stands near me and I hold him and it makes me feel a million times better feeling like he cares and wants me to feel better. I remember once I was crying and he came over and licked my tears, it was amazing and I couldn’t help but smile.
Are those for me or for your doggy date?
He loves going out places with me and has a bunch of doggy friends from friends of mine. His favorite game to play is to hold his toy in his mouth, wiggle it in your face, then when you try to go grab it he runs away wagging then comes back and teases you again. Often times I get up and chase him pretending to steal his toy and he has the best time ever. I’ve tried teaching him fetch but after a few throws he’s already bored and would rather you just chase him instead. He’s actually surprisingly good with plush toys and loves carrying them around and doesn’t want to start destroying them until he’s had them for a few months which is super amazing since he probably could instantly rip them apart. He also loves carrying bones around in his mouth and hiding them behind pillows on the couch, he always looks at me to make sure I can’t see him do it so I look away when he does, he’s trying to make sure his hidden bone is secure.
He for sure has it good, look at all those toys! What a lucky guy
Jasper isn’t a perfect dog, just like all of us humans aren’t perfect either. He still barks at people and tries to scare them when they come over and gets jumpy on a walk when we spot another dog near. I don’t expect him to be perfect, although I do try to teach him still everyday how I expect him to behave. He is gentle, yet strong and is more aware of things than most people will probably give credit to a dog for being aware of. He has taught me how to be strong myself and that I am able to push through when things get tough. His presence enhances my life and gives me company everyday as a friend, part of a little team and has taught me how to be responsible for another being other than myself. Jasper is one of the most amazing beings I have ever met and he will always be my best friend regardless of the fact that we actually have nothing in common.
Dogs are the best thing in the world, and anybody who has had the chance to experience owning a dog will know what i'm talking about. If you have never owned a dog and plan on eventually getting one, just remember they do take a lot of work and to be strong, you can do it!