Jasper Macrae, One Cool Dude

As I said in the last post, my 17-year-old chihuahua, Jasper, or "Peanut" as he was also known, crossed the rainbow bridge on April 4, 2026, around 2:00 AM. He fought hard for two and a half days but his frail body succumbed to the power of Spirit and the nature of the end of life.  

I wanted to write a quick post here, finalizing the end of what was a great friendship between the little man and myself. Jasper has been with me for 15 years. I rescued him from an abusive household at the age of two and fell in love with the little guy. Always brave and courageous and not knowing (or caring about) his size, he would attack our 60-pound pitbull male and other dogs that were too close to his mom. Although chihuahuas are known to be nippy and snooty, I believe he was like this mainly due to the lack of social interaction when he was young. 

My soul has been drowning in a lake of tears for a few days now, but we are making a good attempt at getting back to normal, whatever that may be. I'm in the office as I write this and am missing my little man badly. He always kept me company while I was in this room, until Terry and I sat to watch television at night. Then he would join us in the living room, trading places with Togo, the Siberian husky. Togo and Jasper did not really get along. 

Huskies do have a strong prey drive, and a little guy like a chihuahua does not fare well in the sights of a husky. We had to keep them separated and did so quite well actually. At the end, I do have Togo to snuggle with and keep me company yet it's not the same. I am blessed to have Togo at my side but really do miss Jasper Macrae. 

Mallory came over on Tuesday and was here when I got the message from Terry that Jasper's urn and ashes were ready to be picked up. I immediately went into a full-blown cry after doing so well all day. I hate the step of having to go pick up a small tub of ashes after dropping off your best friend. It really seems like an unfair trade. But here we are. 

Parking in front of the building, Mallory offered to grab the ashes for me. Bless her beautiful heart. I thanked her and nodded. She went inside and brought out a bag. A bag in exchange for my baby. Oh, my Dog, here come the tears again. 

I pulled the purple ribbon from around the top of the bag and slowly peered inside. There were bits and pieces of Jasper, such as his hair and his ashes. Like I said, I truly hate this part. I'm not trying to sound negative about all of this, but that's where my mind goes when in this frame of mind. 

As I dug into the bag, I did notice they actually did a beautiful job in putting all of it together. A nose print, a paw print, two small packets of his hair, a tiny gift bag of wildflowers I can plant in his name, more cards with his paw print and nose print besides the two pictures that were framed. Then came the pretty box with Jasper's ashes inside. The box was intricately designed with forget me not flowers on top, with "Jasper" engraved in the wood, along with "Peanut" beneath it. Of course, this flooded the car with more tears. Poor Mallory. I'm going to have to throw her a life preserver soon. 

I am logging this into our memories because I feel it's an important one. 

Wooden box with forget me nots on the top, and Jasper's name burned into the front. 

All of his memorabilia are placed by my baby girl Soshi's ashes, on a shelf in our altar. Soshi was Jasper's love. He used to follow her around, lick her, and snuggle with her. She used to growl in return but never nipped at him. I figure in death, the two can be next to each other. I'm sure it's making Jasper very happy to be with her again. Oh, how I miss both of them!

Soshi, border collie and pit bull mix

I received a couple of packets of Jasper's fur. It may sound gross to some, but after they are gone, you will take most anything to cling to. 

It is difficult to read, but his name is on the brass plaque on the bottom of the frame.

My little guy's nose print. I love this. I used to love to "bop" his tiny nose during play.

So, once again, I say goodbye to this beautiful guy. My strong warrior but sweet and loving pal. Have a beautiful journey Jasper, and we will meet again one day. I can't wait to see your "smiling" face again, and oh! That swagger! I have to say, I miss the swagger each morning as I walk into the kitchen. You used to be in front of me, ears back, and moving with a swagger done your way, and your way only. It, and you, were perfect. Until we meet again one day, please watch over all of the other fur babies. Loving you from afar. 

Thank you all for reading the blog. We appreciate each and every one of you. Take care of yourselves and please, kiss those perfect fur angels for me! Now, where did I put those tissues?

Jasper and I walking along the beach in Florence, Oregon