Pie. Pumpkin. Monkey. Spy. These were just a few of the nicknames we had for our beloved miniature poodle Jasper, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 12, 2023 in Moorestown, New Jersey, after 14 fun and adventure-filled years.

The day we picked up this rascal from Santa Rosa, California on December 4, 2009, we knew he was special. At three-months old, Jasper was the last in his litter to be chosen and picked up. We could sense his excitement when we arrived. He knew we were there for him. He knew we were his family. He was smart and intuitive like that.

Since then, every single day, Jasper was the angel who brought joy and laughter into our lives. He was not just a pet. Not just a dog. He was our child. And even though he was little, he had a HUGE personality. He always knew what he wanted, and he would make sure you knew it, from a seat on the couch, to a pup ice cream, to filet mignon, to a floret of broccoli — yes he had an unusual and discerning palate. He was bright and intelligent. He was confident and always walked to the beat of his own drums, unconventional in every way, just like his ma and pa.

Jasper loved taking neighborhood walks with us, laying low to spy on other dogs (thus the nickname). He loved going to the beaches on Long Island and the Jersey shore. He loved dining al fresco, in his own seat at the table, and enjoying his favorite meatballs, grilled chicken, or salmon. He bore witness to many of our life’s milestones, notably our engagement and our marriage. He was family.

Jasper was diagnosed with epilepsy around age three. He went on to live a full life with his condition well controlled by medication until this summer when the vet found a brain tumor and a cancerous mass on his left jaw. Despite that, he continued to defy odds and carried on. What an amazing example of strength, will, and courage.

Jasper’s fight against cancer ended November 12th. In his final weeks, we were tormented by the decision of when to say goodbye. We looked to him for cues. In the end, he made the decision himself and crossed over the rainbow peacefully in his sleep. Even in his final moments, Jasper lived on his own terms. The house won’t be the same without him. Our walks and dinners won’t be the same. Nothing will be the same, but we find some comfort knowing he passed in peace in the comfort of his own home, without pain, and he enjoyed a nice long life with us and filled our lives with joy and purpose. Miss you, Pie, Pumpkin, Monkey, Spy. Sleep well, baby. Our chosen one. You’ll forever be in our hearts. 

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