On Friday the 13th of June 2003, we had to make the painful decision to have our lovely Rhodesian Ridgeback Jasper put to sleep. More people than just his family will miss our gentle giant, he was a friendly dog who loved to roam around the village, and due to his size and striking red wheaten colouring he was much admired, fussed over and commented on when out for a walk.

Despite his size, he was shamefully bossed about by our Miniature Dachshund Murphy, even to the extent of letting him eat his food, and Murphy just won't enjoy pinching the sausages as much knowing they're not Jaspers!

Jasper has a small plaque dedicated to his memory in a garden at Hillside Animal Sanctuary, Norfolk. We won't be able to visit the garden, but some of the money goes toward helping Hillside take care of it's many rescued animals, and as Jasper was 'rescued' himself when he was 1 year old, I think it's a fitting tribute to a loyal friend.

We'll miss you Jasper, have a peaceful and eternally pain free sleep.

Love Clare.

On Monday 16th of June 2003 we received the note from The Pet Crematorium in Witton Gilbert, Durham, to let us know Jasper had been cremated.

A neighbour created this picture of Jasper and our dog Timothy (also deceased), in July 2003. Click the picture to see the larger graphic.