Remembering Jasper

Born the runt at a few ounces to a Sheltie breeder in Wilkes Barre, PA August 26, 1998, Jasper was transported by Dave in a cardboard box just before Halloween that year.  The breeder fed him with an eye dropper and kept him aside so he could thrive.  He drew to 3 pounds, was adopted to us as he needed "a quiet home."  
Jasper lived a good life, in Radnor and Mount Gretna, traveling to Florida and Minneapolis for family visits. He was an eager greeter of visitors, and "talked a lot."
Bright and vigilant, he let no person, dog or horse pass unnoticed.  Cats set him off the most!  Our neighborhood cat liked to taunt him by running by the back door.  A funny memory was the cat perching up on the window of the door in my office and looking down at Jasper lying on the rug, unaware.  I wish it had lasted long enough to get a picture.

As he aged, he did not like traveling, so we lodged him with Kevin and Becky at the Kind-Hearted Pet Resort.  He was at home with them and they loved him so much he slept in their home.  "Guest of the Year" in 2007, he spent weeks there as we traveled to Turkey and other destinations.
 
He showed signs of aging, at 12, and was on heart and kidney medication.  The vet told us he was in decline in June.  His duties on patrol for walkers, horses and dogs were lightening - and he had to be called to race more slowly out the back door for a break. Last week he had heavy bleeding from the mouth.  After a few days observation and medication, the vet found it necessary to find the cause.  Cancer of the jaw was extensive, and he let him go to sleep.    

We are gradually getting used to life without him.  We miss him.  Thanks for all the caring notes and calls.  Our friends and family loved him too.