JASPER

Jasper, one of ACES' Safe Haven Setters, went to the Rainbow Bridge on August 16. Jasper was well-loved by his foster family and everyone else who had the honor to meet him. Jasper returned all of their love ten-fold.

Jasper came into rescue last Thanksgiving when ACES found out that the shelter would be euthanizing their population due to the upcoming holiday. At the last minute, we were able to pull Jasper and get him into foster care. No one could imagine what the next nine months would have in store for Jasper. ACES knew that Jasper was "up there" in age, but we didn't know that this 8-10 year old had an advanced case of heartworm disease. It took several months to rid Jasper of the invasive heartworms, but once they were gone, our boy seemed to perk up and to really enjoy life. Jasper readily adapted to a busy household full of energetic children and sought the company of his setter foster sister. Jasper liked to roam his fenced back yard and appeared to just be happy to have a home where he is loved. Everything was looking up for Jasper as he waited for his own forever family.

In May, Jasper stopped using one of his legs. The initial diagnosis was Lyme disease and Jasper began a course of antibiotics. Unfortunately, Jasper did not regain use of his leg so ACES took him back to the vet for further evaluation. Sadly, the news was not good. Jasper had osteosarcoma, a very aggressive bone cancer. Jasper's prognosis was bleak and he became a Safe Haven Setter. Jasper's foster family kept him comfortable with pain medication until it was his time to go to the Bridge.

Even though Jasper's outcome is not what we expected, ACES is thankful that we were able to save him on that Thanksgiving holiday. Even in a short time, we made a big difference in his quality of life. Jasper was a true gentleman and such a lesson in patience. He took everything that was thrown at him with grace and courage. We will miss him dearly.