About Jasper

This is a hard posting to write as we have always felt that having a pet is a lifelong commitment, but certain events have brought us to reaching out to you as we don't think it will be possible for our dog, Jasper, any longer. Unfortunately, I have PTSD and anxiety from an incident back in 2016. Ever since this incident I have had a really difficult time handing Jasper's behavior. Jasper is a rescue I've had for many years. I've moved across the country many times and he always came with. Although he can act fear aggressive toward strangers, and is reactive to loud noises, knocking at the door, etc., I was always able to deal with his reactions, try to encourage better behavior and provide love to him. However, since my PTSD it has been much more difficult and doesn't seem to be getting any better as we have been trying for almost 4 years now. My PTSD has left me with very little bandwidth to deal with stressors and unfortunately Jasper's behavior has been extremely challenging for me to deal with. When he is reactive, it startles me more than it ever did before and creates anxiety and even panic attacks. It can be from the neighbors coming and going, a package being delivered, someone just driving past our condo or anything else and Jasper startles and barks. It's nothing outrageous, just normal reactive dog stuff, but it creates such anxiety for me now. It's not only his reactiveness but also his attentiveness and neediness. As I'm sure you are aware Border Collies are very attentive and focused. The problem is he is solely focused on me. He follows me everywhere I go in the house and stares at me with desperation. It breaks my heart as I no longer seem able to provide the love and attention he needs. Throughout the day this causes me a lot of stress, anxiety and can also lead to panic attacks, to the point that we must kennel him or put him in another room. He really is a great dog. He loves going on hikes and backpacking trips with us and really getting some exercise. He listens well on the trail and loves exploring as much as we do. He might be a bit slow to warm up to strangers but once he warms up, he thinks he's a lap dog and will want to give big slobbery dog kisses. He loves belly scratches and starts kicking his leg. He knows many tricks and most recently we taught him how to spin for a treat. But he can sit, stay, high-five, shake and more. Although he is 11 years old, he is very energetic and has no health problems. He could make a great adventure companion for many years to come. We are heartbroken to think about giving him to another home, but we also realize he will be better off in a home that has the capacity to give him the love and attention he needs. It has become hard for me to give him the love he needs because I'm is constantly getting triggered by his reactive behavior. It's just too much stress for me. I don't feel I can walk him enough or give him enough attention and that it's never enough. I do what I can to show him care but when we are having to put him in the kennel or the other room so often that he is just getting shunned and not getting the love and attention he needs. I have tried working on these issues with my therapist and we have been trying to manage this for nearly 4 years now, but we see the desperation for love and affection in his eyes that we are not able to give him right now. We just want the best for him, he deserves a home that can give him the love and attention he needs. We appreciate any help in getting the word out to find him a home and especially want to find a home that is familiar with the breed. We are happy to write up more information and provide additional photos to help with posting. Please let us know what we can do to take this step forward in finding Jasper a home as soon as possible. Thank you, James

Snohomish County
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Washington