10/31/2026
We have a sad story for you today that we hope will end with a happily ever after! This is our very sweet senior Jasper. Jasper has had more ups and downs in his life than any dog should have to experience, but we’re hoping the right person will see his story here and offer him that soft landing for the rest of his days.
Jasper first came to the county shelter in March 2016, a young dog that was picked up in Arcata as a stray. Jasper quickly had his own fan club, due to his sunny disposition, and was adopted a month later. He has not had the best luck with adopters. The first ones couldn't remember to take care of him and Animal Control had to suggest that they bring him back.
Once back at the shelter he was adopted again quite quickly! We thought he was doing okay with the second adopters until he was found all alone a year later in May 2017, this time with injuries, including the loss of one eye (yes, you read that correctly). He may have been rehomed once - twice? – along the way but no one came for him.
Amazingly, his good spirits were intact, and his volunteer friends picked up where they had left off: playing ball, cuddling, and taking him to weekend dog classes. Jasper was adopted in October 2017 and by November he was back at the shelter. In November 2017 we posted “Jasper was a model dog at class this weekend, demonstrating a grasp of obedience skills even beyond our expectations! This loving dog will make a great companion.” In November, an out of state humane society reached out to us wanting to take on some of our dogs. This was the start of a great relationship that we had with them and we wanted to send some of our best ambassadors so Jasper was in the first group. He was such a charmer that a volunteer there adopted him, but not before he had made friends with everyone there! Happy updates were reported regularly for many years.
Imagine our horror when a car sped up to the shelter on a recent Sunday afternoon, tied a dog out, and drove off. Bad enough – and totally illegal – but when we realized it was Jasper we were all very sad. Who does that to a twelve-year-old dog? Especially one for whom the words “perfect,” “Best Dog Ever,” and “so well-behaved” were regularly applied. Probably best to leave that speculation for now as we want to focus on Jasper.
So that brings us to today. Jasper is a little dazed by the whole experience, but is getting back into the swing of things. He still loves to play ball and snuggle and is quite an easy walk. We really believe that Jasper needs just one more adopter, the one that will take him home, and care for him in the loving way he deserves. Could that be you? Please call the Humboldt County Animal Shelter today at (707) 840-9132 to make an appointment to meet Jasper Sr. Happy days will be ahead for both of you!
