Name: Jasper

Age: 1 ½ (ish)

Breed: Yorkie mix, according to a DNA test (who knew?!)

Follow him on: Instagram @jerseycityjasper

ChicpeaJC: So Jasper, what’s your rescue story? Where are you from?
Jersey City Jasper:  I’m originally from a shelter in West Virginia and was fostered there for a while after making my way into See Spot Rescued’s adoption program. My parents still keep in touch with my original foster mom, which I think is really nice of them. My SSR name was Tim Gunn, I assume because of my killer style (I’ve got bow ties on bow ties in my closet). My parents scooped me up when I was just 6 months old, so there was definitely some adjustment as I grew out of my puppy phase, but they couldn’t imagine their lives without me now.

 

CP: You’ve had a few foster siblings from SSR since you were adopted yourself. Was it hard to say goodbye?

JCJ: So, so hard! My parents and I both got pretty attached to our fosters, but there have been no foster fails (yet). They both went to awesome homes, so that made it easier to part ways. I’d definitely recommend fostering to dog lovers out there; when a dog gets fostered it means that SSR can handle taking on another dog into the program, which is great. Both of the fosters my family had were amazing and we had so much fun together. Rumor has it that we’re supposed to get another one soon, too. I can’t wait!

CP: Let’s talk about Jersey City. What are your favorite spots to hang out and meet new people?

JCJ: I love both the Hamilton Park and Van Vorst Park dog runs, although when I get there I usually just watch the action. I prefer to have play dates on my home turf. As far as out on the town, I really like going to the different markets that Jersey City has during the year. Jersey City Project Eats was last month, which is one of my favorites. My mom also sells her knits at craft markets in town, so sometimes I’ll tag along and hang with her at those. I really just love meeting new people—it makes me jump with joy!

 

CP: Do you ever help your mom with her knits?

JCJ: Do you count pulling her balls of yarn off of the shelf and messing around with them when I want attention? If so, yes, I love to help! (Despite common belief this is NOT a cat thing. I don’t like cats and won’t be associated with their kind).

CP: What would dogs who know you say is the funniest thing that you do?

JCJ: One thing that drives my parents crazy is my refusal to walk on a leash. I mean, what’s the point of walking if you can’t go wherever you want? So, they have to carry me places sometimes, but I’m so small that I don’t think they really mind. They tried to get a trainer to convince me to walk more, but unless there are high-stakes treats involved I’m usually not having it (bacon, anyone?). Speaking of treats, when I get a really good one, I carry it around in my mouth and whimper until I get a good hiding spot for it. I’ve exhausted most of the good ones in my apartment, so sometimes this takes up to 30 minutes. You never know who’s lurking around, you know? Another thing that I do that is (apparently) weird is sleeping in my dog bed only when it’s flipped inside out. I won’t go near it if it’s set up normally. You know the expression, nothing’s cooler than the other side of the pillow.

CP: Is it hard to manage your own Instagram account, or is it fun to do?

JCJ: I think it’s super fun! I’m just so cute, and I want to share my adorable antics with the world. It’s been nice because I’ve been able to connect with other dogs who look like me (still questioning this whole Yorkie thing), and it seems as though I’ve also developed quite the fan club. For example, just this afternoon I was out for a walk and someone said to my mom, “Is that Jasper?!” Sometimes it happens several times a day—I feel pretty special. One thing that everyone does say is that I’m smaller than they thought I’d be from my pictures. I’m really a peanut.

 

CP: You are just too well-mannered. There has to be something that makes you tick.

JCJ: Since you had to ask… it’s sirens. And car alarms. And ice cream trucks (yes, really). I just can’t control myself; when I hear them, I start howling. We had to leave a restaurant on Newark Ave. once because I started howling at the saxophone player and my parents were too embarrassed. #sorrynotsorry

CP: I have to ask—what’s this “puppy bumper” that I’ve been seeing so much about on your Instagram feed?

JCJ: Ha! That’s my favorite accessory, I have to say, but as is true of the best fashion trends, it’s also functional. When I go on vacation to places like my aunts’ houses, which have huge fenced-in backyards, I wear my bumper so that I don’t accidentally slip under the fence and get lost in the great outdoors. I love my family and never want to leave, but I’m just so small and wiggly (and sneaky) that I could easily get in trouble without my bumper.

CP: What are your aspirations for life? Any big dreams for a little dog?

JCJ: I’m thinking about training to be a therapy dog. My mom used to take me to work with her at Lincoln Center, and everyone always said that I was so good there. If someone needed puppy time, I was their go-to source! I’m friendly to everyone and usually really calm, so I think that I’d be great at the job. My mom’s looking into it, so we’ll see how it goes. I’d also love to write a book someday. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, and I can’t imagine any better subject to write on than my adventures around Jersey City because I love it here so much. There are so many cool places here that I’d love to point out through a story. One thing that’s been holding me back is that my artistic skills are severely lacking (no thumbs, you know?). I’ve got the story to tell, but I need a talented illustrator to bring my vision to life. If any readers out there are interested in helping me out, please message me on Instagram! (@jerseycityjasper)

 

 

CP: Last but not least, I know that you just had your first adopt-a-versary party in Jersey City. How’d that go?

JCJ: It was a BLAST! My friends and I raised the woof all day long. There’s nothing better to celebrate than a rescue dog finding a good home, and I’m so glad that I found mine.

 

 

Have a pet that you think should be featured? Email us at chicpealife@gmail.com!