3 years ago today a piece of my heart disappeared and will never return. Jasper, my beloved 15 1/2 year old Golden Retriever passed away, rather unexpectedly, and life has never really been the same.
It's not like I haven't lost dogs before, there have been several furry friends in my life since the age of 5 but Jasper was different. He was my child, my best friend and someone that loved me unconditionally and never, ever wanted to change me. He didn't care if I ever lost weight or wrote a book or took up a craft or went back to school. Everybody should have someone in their life that looks at them with loving eyes with not a trace of disappointment. I really miss him. You can read about his life here.
That's one of my favorite pictures. I used to love dressing him up in silly hats, trying to catch the perfect picture before he ran away, dumping his headgear as he made a break for it. He really hated wearing these goggles (Doggles) and they didn't stay on his face too long so I'm glad I snapped a great picture. I think it makes him look like a cool dude. He probably had a different opinion.
A few weeks after Jasper died I started wearing these two bracelets every day. I got the leather bracelet specially made (at Disney World) and the beads are a stone called red jasper. Since my baby was a reddish color, it's the perfect tribute. I'm almost never without the bracelets and they make me feel connected and provide comfort.
1,095 days down, a lifetime to go.
Awwww, Jasper was a very dapper looking boy! My parents split up when I was 11 and my mom got us a dog from the pound, we named him Sammy and I had that same feeling...I've had dogs since then but none of them were like Sammy. He had such a distinct personality, he used to come and sit on the sofa next to me like a person, with his bum up on it and his paws on the floor. He was such a good dog!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, it's lovely that you have those pretty bracelets to honor your sweet boys memory!
OH, Jonni, I so understand what you are saying here. Jasper's passing left a little hole in your heart that will never be filled again.
ReplyDeleteLast August 1st, I lost my 15-year old beagle, Nikki. It wasn't unexpected, in that she had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure 8 months earlier; however, she had been responding well to meds since then, so we weren't exactly prepared for them to stop working for her. She died in front of my eyes, in my son's arms. And there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her. So, I can totally relate to how you feel about Jasper.
Blessings,
Patti
I love your 'Jasper' jewelry! After my sweet cat Zeb passed (I had had him for 18 years and he had been with me through so much!)) I bought a cat charm and had it engraved with his name. I think it's a great way to remember and celebrate our beloved pets!
ReplyDeleteSusan
What an awesome boy Jasper was. Love that the jewelry brings you comfort.
ReplyDeleteWe lost our Benny last December (12-7-13) at the age of only 4 1/2. He'd been absolutely fine and then NOT. From 10am on that Saturday when we saw our Vet for his lame leg until 10pm that evening...things went from a lame leg and scheduled appointment for x-rays the following Monday, to not being able to stand or walk, not hearing my voice or understanding it, not being able to see to seizures every few minutes. He had an acute neurological episode...and the ER Vet cried as she told us we should be prepared for Benny to pass that night...or the next day. We chose to put him out of his misery and held him as he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. It was absolutely the most difficult thing I've ever had to do. He was a special Pup. ♥