Jasper Love

My New Pashmina Dog Sweater

2010-03-28T11:08:00.007-04:00

Mama bought me a new sweater last

week. It is green and black striped and has a hood, pocket and two little green buttons. It is made out of pashmina and it's very soft and warm.

I didn't want a new sweater, but Mama insisted that I needed one. Besides, it was on sale for $25 at a store on Eighth Street in Greenwich Village, and Mama said it was a good deal. (Original price is $70, I heard the man in the store say.)

Here are some pictures of me wearing it on Saturday

for a walk to Washington Square Park. It was a very cold day. I guess the sweater came in handy.

But, for the record, I still don't like wearing clothes. Every time I do, strangers always say, "How cute!"

I Got Married!

2009-11-07T19:48:00.010-05:00

I got married! Well, sort of. I was at a Halloween party and this cute little Yorkie wearing a wedding dress wanted to marry me. I think she was just trying to get me to kiss her!

WHY AM I WEARING THE VEIL?

YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

OKAY, YOU CAN STOP KISSING ME NOW...

Hotel for Dogs --- the St. Regis in Dana Point

2009-06-26T11:53:00.008-04:00

Here I am at the St. Regis Hotel in Dana Point, California. It's one of those fancy hotels with a spa and a golf course, but guess what? They have the good sense to allows pets.

Granted, it ain't cheap. It costs $150 per night for a pet to stay there. And they have a weight limit: the pet cannot weigh more than 30 pounds. Luckily, I only weigh 8, so that was no problem.

I got my own doggy bed and bowls. I heard the concierge say he could arrange for a dog walker, but we didn't need one.

I give this hotel two paws up. Bonus: they have lots of grass to run around on, and rabbits to chase into the bushes!

What's in my cards?

2009-01-27T23:13:00.003-05:00

WHY does Mama do these kinds of things, like get a tarot card reading??? It's so silly, and kinda spooky at the same time.

First, the lady who was giving me the reading asked me to sniff the cards. I gave them a quick sniff once, but she said to do it again, and I wouldn't. Then she started shuffling the cards around and started laying them down onto the table.

The lady said that Mama and I were meant to be together.

Like, duh! I could have told Mama that and saved her $5! Oh well, at the least the money went to charity--the Animal Haven shelter in Soho.

I Wear Sunglasses

2009-01-05T19:39:00.002-05:00

Hey! Someone is copying my look!

I miss Molly

2008-11-23T13:52:00.007-05:00

Even though she hogged all my toys, wouldn't let me sleep in my own doggie bed, and didn't know how to walk on a leash, I miss Molly. It was nice having another pooch to play with.

I miss Auntie Tera, too. She was always good for an early morning snuggle.

The yellow leaves remind me a lot of Molly. That funny girl--it's the only place she would pee.

It's Good Golly, Miss Molly!

2008-11-19T22:41:00.002-05:00

Guess who's in town visiting me and Mama? Auntie Tera and Molly. Here we are taking a walk in Greenwich Village.

Today is My Burfday!

2008-10-27T18:38:00.002-04:00

One year ago today, Mama flew to Ohio and adopted me from a shelter. We don't know when my real birthday is, so Mama decided that she would make October 27 my birthday--the day I came into her life. She says I'm a total Scorpio--intense, loyal, and extremely good-looking.

Happy Birthday to me!

Back from my California hiatus

2008-10-16T21:06:00.004-04:00

Every time I go to California, I spend too much time running around on grass and not enough time writing on my blog!

Here's what's new. I met Molly, a mutt my Auntie Tera adopted from the pound. Turns out, Molly is a Schnoodle, which is a mix between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. She has lots of puppy energy and wants to play all the time.

This is a picture of me and Molly with my cousin, Isabella, at her soccer game.

Here we are, watching Isabella score a goaaaal!

San Dimas Doggie Park

2008-09-29T16:03:00.003-04:00

This is the best dog park--ever! It's only for small dogs and has grass and trees. Here I am in the picture with Molly, my cousin, and Spanky, a white freckle faced chichuahua mix.

Dog-apalooza in Madison Square Park: Sept 20

2008-09-16T19:28:00.002-04:00

Mark your calendars, folks. This Saturday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Madison Square Park is DOG-APALOOZA DAY! (Otherwise known as AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day.)

There's going to be lots of free stuff, all sorts of different kinds of dogs, and hopefully, lots of yummy treats!!!!! Mama's all excited about it. She's making me take a bath on Friday night, so I'll be nice and clean when we go.

Click here for more info about it.

Be there or be square!

Doggie Dress-Up (Part 3)

2008-09-15T14:40:00.003-04:00

I'm speechless...

Doggie Dress-Up (Part 2)

2008-09-15T14:32:00.004-04:00

The humiliation continues...

Doggie Dress-Up (Part 1)

2008-09-15T14:00:00.003-04:00

Since Halloween is coming up next month, you can be sure to see a lot of silliness. Just look at these poor canines!

(And you wonder why dogs bite people!)

Mama is saying she wants to dress me up as Zorro for Halloween. We'll see about that!

Kickin' It in Little Italy

2008-09-14T13:15:00.004-04:00

They are having a big party in Little Italy called Figli di San Gennnaro, which means "Festival of San Gennaro." It is a religious festival and it lasts this year from September 11 to 21. You can read more about it here.

There's lots of food (especially on the ground) and a big parade where they carry a statue of a little man wearing a cape (the saint) to a church.

"Yo, pasain!" Where's my parade?

Shih-tzu in Pigtails

2008-09-14T13:05:00.003-04:00

There are some fancy dogs in New York City!

Dip in the Pool

2008-09-08T23:36:00.004-04:00

I had the pool all to myself at the Leroy Street dog run on the Hudson River.

Whoa! Time to jump out! It's getting crowded!

Who Let the Pigs Out?

2008-09-08T23:30:00.001-04:00

Oink! Oink!

Picture of My Lunch

2008-09-08T23:16:00.004-04:00

On the menu today:

Chicken shish kebab and basmati rice with a bit of kibble. It's from Istanbul Grill on 14th Street. Dee-licious.

Ziggy is My Friend

2008-09-03T11:13:00.006-04:00

Ziggy goes to my Saturday play group. He's a really cool dude and kinda just happy-go-lucky.

I like to kid around and say, "Hey Zigs! The Zig Man! Zigster! Ziggy Wiggy!" Then I'll fall down on the floor laughing while he just scratches his head.

See, there he is right there (below) having a good scratch at his ear.

I like to wrestle with Ziggy, but he's already bigger than me, and he's only 9 months old! He's a Bichon/Shih Tzu mix, so he's a big puffball.

Happy Labor Day in Brooklyn

2008-09-01T16:58:00.003-04:00

What did you do for Labor Day?

I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate pizza at Grimaldis and had strawberry ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

I'm glad I'm not lactose intolerant and prone to heat stroke.

It was fun, hot and sunny.

Riley the Maltese/Papillon mix...MaltiPap?

2008-08-29T11:40:00.013-04:00

I met Riley at the Washington Square Dog Park. She is a one year old mix of Maltese and Papillon. Her parents got her from a pet store in Astoria, Queens.

Riley likes to jump in the sand, roll around and kick up dust. She's a tomboy, for sure.

She's also a diva. Did you see her nails? They're painted red! (They are a little chipped from all the running around she does.)

She's too much for a simple guy like me.

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2008-08-24T18:05:00.003-04:00

I'm lying on the floor, aimlessly squirming about, thinking about nothing in particular.

Mama is typing away at her computer, not giving me any attention.

Outside, a dog barks.

A car honks.

The wind chimes on the fire escape make a tinkling sound.

I'm bored...

Billie the YorkiPoo

2008-08-24T11:52:00.005-04:00

For Billie, every day is a holiday. She is a little firecracker of a dog that runs around our playgroup in Soho, playing with everyone. She is worshipped and adored by all.

Mama keeps joking that she's going to steal Billie away from her parents. Yeah, right, like I'm going to let that happen. I like being an only child.

Esme the Baby Shih Tzu

2008-08-21T22:39:00.007-04:00

Today, we were walking down the street when I was attacked by a tiny fur ball. It turned out to be a Shih Tzu named Esmerelda (Esme for short).

Esme is still a baby and weighs only four pounds. But that didn't stop her from putting her paws all over me and trying to get me to play with her.

"Look, I don't play with little baby girls," I finally had to tell her. "I'm a big boy."

But I had to admit. She was pretty cute. I mean, she's so teeny weeny.

Happy 5-0 to Madonna

2008-08-21T22:26:00.005-04:00

I forgot to wish Mrs. Ritchie a very happy birthday! Rock on wich'ya badself!

Samson and Delilah--Power Couple

2008-08-21T22:13:00.004-04:00

Did you know that you are not supposed to cut the hair on a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?

Yeah, I didn't know either until I heard Mama talking with a man who had two such dogs in his care. Their names are Samson and Delilah. Here is a picture of them. I forget which is which!

Miss Chiquita Bonita

2008-08-19T20:52:00.005-04:00

Habla Espanol? Chiquita is a Reindeer Chihuahua who lives near my grandmother's house in California. She is quite a flirt. I like to play with her when I visit.

Check Out My New Cargo Shorts

2008-08-19T20:24:00.003-04:00

Yorkie-Pekingese...Porkie?

2008-08-19T20:13:00.006-04:00

I met a little dog today that looked a lot like me: black and white all over. Her name is Syd and she is two years old. She is a Yorkie-Pekingese mix. I guess you'd call her a Porkie.

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot!

2008-08-19T12:20:00.004-04:00

Have you ever experienced a summer in New York City? It's hot and humid. There's only one thing for a dog to do. Take a swim!

Here I am at the Leroy Street Dog Run on the Hudson River. I like to lay on the cool, wet concrete.

Here is an English Bulldog that was hogging the little pool...

Yorkies from Korea

2008-08-17T13:36:00.006-04:00

A few weeks ago, I met a pair of Yorkies from Mama's homeland--Korea! They were in the Union Square dog run. I noticed the smaller one first because she was barking up a storm. Her name is Hanul, which means "Sky" in Korean. The bigger one is a boy and his name is "Bada" meaning "Ocean".

Last Sunday, we met up with them again and went to Washington Square Park. See how little they are? I'm only eight pounds and I look huge next to them!

That is Bada on the left and Hanul on the right. I am teaching them how to speak Doglish and act like a New Yorker. They already know how to say, "yo, what's up?"

Rude and Ruder

2008-08-04T11:58:00.002-04:00

Need I say more?

Human Sunbathers

2008-08-04T11:50:00.003-04:00

Humans have an odd sunbathing ritual. When it is hot and sunny in the city, they will come out in droves and lay on any patch of grass they can find, roasting themselves in the sunshine like so many Thanksgiving turkeys.

Here they are on a recent sunny day on the Hudson River...

Out of Town Guests

2008-08-04T11:39:00.003-04:00

If you've been wondering why I haven't written for a while, it's because I was too busy entertaining out-of-town guests! Yup, my cousins from California were in town and we went everywhere...Central Park, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, blah blah blah. It was fun.

Here is a picture of us taking the subway to go somewhere. See--that's my head poking out of the black bag.

I hope they come back and visit soon--maybe when it's not so hot!

Lunch at Cafeteria (Very Doggy Friendly)

2008-07-17T11:45:00.004-04:00

On Monday, Mama and I met her friend Tristan at the dog run in Union Square. Tristan is doggiesitting a Shiba Inu named Danji who is six years old. He has a very mellow vibe about him, so I liked hanging out with him.

After the park, all four of us went to have lunch at Cafeteria, where they serve breakfast till 5 p.m.!
The waiter brought me and Danji a water bowl and doggie biscuits. This place gets five stars for knowing how to treat a canine!

It was four o'clock and Mama still hadn't fed me yet, so she gave me bits of her steak and egg whites. Tristan had Fried Chicken and Waffles; he let me have some chicken too.

All in all, it was a very good day. [sigh]

Doggie Playbowl in California

2008-07-13T12:28:00.008-04:00

One of my favorite places to go in California is a park in Mountain View with a big, giant grassy area shaped like a pasta bowl--large and shallow.

Lots of doggies come to play there. I met a little Yorkie named Martini who wanted to be my girlfriend. She had a cute personality , so I said okay.

But the #1 reason it is my favorite place is all the gopher holes I get to sniff and dig around. They don't have those in New York City! I got super dirty and Mama made me go home and take a bath. But it was worth it.

Miss Martini, the Yorkie...

See how she's staring at me, and I'm acting cool pretending to ignore her...

The Internet Is Awesome!

2008-07-12T13:59:00.003-04:00

Will wonders never cease? Last week, out of the blue, two people emailed Mama to let them know they liked reading my blog. Isn't that cool??? One is a lady named Jane who lives in England with her family. England!!! Where the Spice Girls are from! They are going to get their first dog. How exciting! (I wonder what kind of dog they will get? I'm so curious, I'm wiggling!)

The other person who emailed Mama was a lady named Anya and her dog named Oscar. He is two years old, so he's a few months older than me, and he is a Brussels Griffon. I think they live right here in New York City, like us. Me and Mama had fun reading Oscar's website. Check it out here.

Baby Lucas Is Here !!!!

2008-07-12T13:49:00.005-04:00

The biggest news from my vacation in California is that I got a new cousin! My Auntie Suzie and Uncle Brian had their first baby. It is a boy and his name is Lucas. I sniffed him. He smells good. Like milk and clean diapers.

Now, I have three boy cousins and one girl cousin.

Here he is just one week old.

"Yo, yo, what's up?" Lucas says.

I'm Hoooooome!

2008-07-12T13:05:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Mama and I got on an airplane in Los Angeles. It took us to New York City. Here is a picture of me on the plane with my blankie and my Simply Fido stuffed animal. He goes with me everywhere.

When we got off the plane in New York City, we rode in a taxi and it took us to our apartment. Now, I'm home!!!! Oh, happy place.

Even though it was nighttime, I played with all my toys one by one, jumped all over the couch, and barked at the neighbors--just to let them know we were back.

I had a lot of adventures in California. I'll write more about them later, right after I take a nap. I'm tired after my long trip!

Road Trip!

2008-07-03T16:10:00.002-04:00

Last week, I drove from San Francisco to Los Angeles with Mama and Auntie Tera. We got a speeding ticket for going 95 miles an hour. I won't say who was driving, but it wasn't me!

I am now back at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Lots has been going on....Stay tuned as I update my blog.

Too Cool For School

2008-06-23T13:42:00.002-04:00

Before school let out for the summer, I got to try out the first grade with my cousin Isabella. I got to sit in the class and learn important things, like how to read and write. I tried to pay attention, but my mind kept drifting away. I kept wondering, "When is it time to eat?"

Laurel Canyon Dog Park

2008-06-22T16:53:00.004-04:00

I almost forgot! When we were in L.A., Mama took me to the dog park in Laurel Canyon. It was humongous! There were trees, a big field, and a separate area for small dogs.

What I've Been Up To In California

2008-06-22T15:09:00.004-04:00

Wow, I haven't written in here in a long time! I'm still here in California with Mama. We've been here for over a month. I've been busy doing lots of different stuff.

Let's see....

1. I went to Auntie Suzie's baby shower. Help! What am I doing here surrounded by a bunch of ladies??? I will make the best of it and hunt around for yummy bits of food on the ground.

2. Every day, I get to pee all over a field of flowers.

3. We drove up to Palo Alto, where I get lots of attention from my cousins like Isabella.

Playing at Lemon Creek Park

2008-05-15T15:25:00.003-04:00

There is a park near my grandma and grandpa's house called Lemon Creek Park. I like to go there and run around. The other day, I met some dogs from the neighborhood: a Yorkie named Leah and a beagle named Tiffany.

There are no dog parks around here. But I can run around on the grass all I want!

Nobody Walks In L.A.

2008-05-12T12:02:00.003-04:00

Well, here I am in Los Angeles now. Mama and I flew on an airplane and got here on Saturday.

I am learning how to drive because nobody walks in L.A. (Well, we still walk a little bit so that I can pee and poo.) I took this blue car for a test drive. I really like it. It has cool flames painted on the side like a race car and it's a convertible.

Now, I just need some sunglasses and a surfboard...

My La Mer Facial

2008-05-04T10:50:00.002-04:00

On Saturday after doggie play group in Soho, Mama did a little shopping at Bloomingdale's and dragged me along. I really don't care for shopping, to tell you the truth.

Here I am, waiting patiently for my facial.

I Might Have Been Fidel

2008-05-04T10:36:00.003-04:00

Mama was talking to a lady yesterday at doggie play group in Soho, and now she's convinced I must be part Havanese! She found this picture of Havanese puppies on the Internet. I do have the same, soft hair and curling tail, and black and white coloring. Mama says she should have named me Fidel. Ha ha.

Strange Little Doggies

2008-05-01T11:23:00.006-04:00

Last night, I was walking down Sixth Avenue with Mama.

Suddenly, I saw three tiny dogs that were yapping, turning in circles and flipping around.

There was something strange about them....

They didn't smell at all. They had no scent! And they kept doing the same thing over and over again, like robot dogs. It was freaky.

I tried to play with them. I growled. I jumped around. I waved my paws in the air.

Nada.

It was like they were hypnotized.

After a while, I gave up and started walking home again.

I couldn't figure out why Mama was giggling...

Our Six Month Anniversary

2008-04-27T12:04:00.002-04:00

Six months ago today, I met Mama for the first time in a Wendy's parking lot in Ohio. She had flown from New York City to meet the nice lady who had rescued me from the pound. Mama says it was love at first sight. I licked her face. She scratched my ears.

Now, I'm proud to say, I'm a Mama's boy. I wonder if we have started to look like each other....

I Passed the Test!

2008-04-26T19:26:00.003-04:00

Today was the test to become a pet therapy dog, and guess what? I did it. I passed!!! Mama is so proud of me. I am proud of myself too.

They tested us on 10 different things, such as sitting and waiting, coming when called, laying down, and sitting with a lady in a wheelchair. They had little human children pet us. One of the little critters tried to pick me up!

My friend Zoe, a Shih Tzu, passed too. Zoe and her mommy and me and Mama all went to the Shake Shack to celebrate afterwards with cheeseburgers and fries.

Yay for me! I will update you when I make my first hospital visit!

Happy Birthday Cristian!

2008-04-25T01:49:00.004-04:00

Today is my cousin Cristian's birthday. He's ten years old. Happy Birthday, Cristian! Hope you have a great day! (Oh, and Happy Birthday to Auntie Lucia. It's her birthday too.)

Can't wait to see you soon and let you walk me around!

Licks and kisses,

Jasper

Humans Are Weird (video)

2008-04-24T20:06:00.004-04:00

Mama and I were in Central Park this weekend. There were a bunch of people on roller skates going around in circles and dancing to loud disco music. Funny humans.

My New Skulls Shirt (video)

2008-04-23T01:05:00.006-04:00

I got a surprise in the mail! My cousins, Annie and Dudley, who are Shih Tzus and live in California sent me a present. It's a red and black shirt with my name on it and cool pictures of skulls. I wore it to doggy play group and felt like a tough guy.

The shirt is from FuFu Fashions. I'm even on their website. Click here to check it out! (I'm at the bottom of the page.)

Why I Love New York City

2008-04-22T16:22:00.007-04:00

You know why I like living in New York City? You never know who you're going to meet walking down the street. The City is filled with interesting characters.

Take a look at this funny little gal that I met yesterday. Why, she just looks kind of crazy cool, doesn't she? Her name is FouzFouz, which is an Arabic nickname or something. FouzFouz is a mutt, so she could be a mix of anything, maybe even part cat.

I Like To Play (video)

2008-04-22T03:55:00.004-04:00

Everybody should play as much as they can. That should be like a law or something. I know I play every chance I get, which is all the time! (I like to entertain myself.)

Gracie the Maltese

2008-04-22T03:42:00.004-04:00

We were at the dog run today when Mama and I met another little cutie named Gracie. She is a white Maltese dog.

Mama is convinced that I must be part Maltese because she says Gracie kind of looks like me. Gracie's dog walker was funny and said that Gracie is his favorite because she is the only one with facial expressions. Ha ha. I had a good laugh at that one. I make faces at Mama all the time.

Moxie the Peekapoo

2008-04-22T03:29:00.004-04:00

You learn something new every day. Like today, Mama and I were at the dog run when we met a little dog named Moxie, who is a two year-old Peekapoo. Mama had never heard of that breed before and found out that it is a cross between a Pekingese and Poodle. Of course, she HAD to take a picture of Moxie. Look at that face!

Mama on Skates

2008-04-15T20:18:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of me and Mama along the Hudson River today. She has her cool skates on, the ones she got from Planet on Wheels. Mama got them so that I could run alongside next to her and get some exercise while she skates fast. Sometimes we go slower when we get tired. It's a lot of fun!

Ozzy the Dood (video)

2008-04-14T11:21:00.006-04:00

There is a big, friendly dog that I see at the Leroy Dog Run sometimes. His name is Ozzy (as in Osbourne) and he is a Goldendoodle, which is a mix of Golden Retriever and Poodle. Mama kept ooh'ing and ahh'ing over his eyelashes, which are really long and blond.

"Oh, he's so soft!" Mama said, like she was petting a baby. But Ozzy is no baby. He's almost two! That's a big boy, like me.

I could tell Ozzy likes to play. And play. And play...

Day 3: Pet Therapy Training Class

2008-04-13T16:11:00.005-04:00

Today was our last day of class before we get tested in two weeks. Edna, the lady who runs the program at St. Vincent's Hospital, told Mama, "Jasper has come a long way since his first class." Well, I'm glad SOMEBODY noticed because I have been working really hard and doing lots of homework.

For instance, I don't growl and snarl in class anymore. I've even made friends with a little girl named Zoe, who is a black and white Shih Tzu. We could be cousins.

I didn't even get scared when they dropped the walker and a metal bowl and made loud noises to startle us. It just sounds like when Mama cooks at home and makes a lot of noise with the pots and pans and dropping things on the floor by accident.

Because it's a Jewish holiday called Passover next Saturday, we will have our test on April 26.

Wish me and Zoe luck!

Springtime in New York

2008-04-10T15:58:00.004-04:00

Today, after the dog park, we went to the Empire Diner on 10th Avenue and 22nd Street. It was a warm, sunny day. We sat outside at a table with a big umbrella over it. Mama ate fish and chips. She ordered me a grilled chicken sandwich.

It wasn't bad. (Just a tad dry.)

Are You There Jesus? It's Me, Jasper

2008-04-07T15:52:00.007-04:00

Dear Jesus,

I've heard people talk about you. You were a guy with shaggy hair who was born a long time ago in a barn, right? Didn't you teach people how to fish or something?

It seems like you had some insightful things to say, so I need your help. I have to take a test in a few weeks to become a pet therapy dog. I'd really like to do a good job because I know it would mean so much to Mama. Do you have any tips for staying calm? I tend to get nervous when people I don't know start touching me. (Unless they feed me treats; then, of course, I have no problem.)

You can whisper any advice in my ears. I have super good hearing.

Thank you for listening!

Very truly yours,

Jasper S.

New York City

The Cookie Monsters

2008-04-07T02:43:00.009-04:00

Did you know that I know how to make chocolate chip cookies? I learned how to bake when I was visiting my cousins Stefano, Cristian and Isabella in California. We made them from scratch using flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Oh, and of course, chocolate chips!

As you can see, Stefano and Cristian are a couple of clowns. Here they are wearing little chef jackets. Their Papa is a chef and he had it made for all three of them.

The cookies turned out yummy!

Day 2: Pet Therapy Training Class

2008-04-07T02:03:00.004-04:00

Some of you may remember that I am going to school on Saturdays to try to become a pet therapy dog. That means that if I pass the test in a few weeks, I will get a certificate and can start going to visit people who are in the hospital and make them feel better.

Last Saturday was our second day of class. Here is what they made us do this time:

---Mama had to show the trainers that I know how to sit and stay and come when called. (I did very well.)

---I had to stay still when one of the trainer ladies came up to me and opened my mouth, checked my ears, picked up one of my feet, and brushed me. (I didn't particularly like this part, but I was on my best behavior.)

---They took me to another room where I sat on a big man's lap and told Mama to leave the room for three minutes. I had to show them that I was not scared to be away from Mama and that I wouldn't cry or try to chase after her. (This was kind of a weird exercise, but I passed.)

---For the last exercise, they brought out a metal cage looking thing that humans use when they need help walking. None of the dogs were supposed to bark at it, but I did. It looked scary. Mama hushed me and started walking around with the walker to show me it wasn't going to hurt us, so I calmed down.

All in all, Mama said I did really well. Whew! There is one more class next week, then the test is on April 26!!!!

My Friend Ember

2008-04-06T17:28:00.003-04:00

I always see Ember at the dog run. She is still a puppy and has a lot of energy. She is friendly with EVERYONE. I don't like to play with other dogs as much as she does. She is part Golden Retriever. Can you believe it? Her mommy, Kathy, got her from a rescue group in Ohio too, like me!

After Bath Craziness (video)

2008-04-06T13:21:00.003-04:00

After my bath, I go CRAZY. I don't like getting wet, especially on my head. I get all energized and I start digging around, rubbing my head, and generally going nuts. I could go on like that for hours, or at least until I get dry. Sometimes my butt itches, and I have to scoot it around.

Ruby: Hurricane Katrina Survivor

2008-04-05T16:33:00.004-04:00

At the dog park the other day, I met a funny, pudgy little Puggle named Ruby. She sat in a lady's lap with a tennis ball in her mouth. That's all she did. The whole time. Whenever someone tried to take the ball out of her mouth, she moved her head away, so they never got it away from her.

I found out that Ruby is five years old and escaped Hurricane Katrina a few years ago. Lucky pup. Now she's a New York City girl.

My New Fancy Collar (Product Review)

2008-04-05T16:20:00.004-04:00

Did you notice that I have been wearing a new collar lately? It's brown leather with silver studs all over. It's fancy-fancy. I wish I didn't have to wear one at all, but Mama says I have to. She searched high and low and finally found one that she liked. (I didn't know she was so picky.)

She bought it from Hamptons Hound, a ritzy store for dog clothes and stuff. Don't ask her how much the collar cost. ($48! Shhhhh...Pretend I didn't tell you.) But she says it's worth it because it's 3/4" inches wide, so it looks like a big dawg's collar, but made for my size. (I'm a big dawg on the inside.)

Did You Watch Oprah Today? About Puppy Mills?

2008-04-04T17:30:00.006-04:00

Did anybody else watch today's episode of Oprah? I watched it with Mama and it was sad. It was about puppy mills. They took secret pictures of what puppy mills looked like and how those dogs are treated there and it made Mama cry.

They showed dogs who have been kept inside cages their whole lives and who have never been outside or walked on the ground. A lot of the female dogs are forced to have a litter of puppies every time they go into heat, which is twice a year, and it makes them get tumors. Some of the dogs had cuts on them. Other dogs were chained up and the chain was cutting into their skin. It was terrible.

Did you know that:

***99% of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills

***At least one-third of dogs in local shelters and rescue groups are purebred dogs

***Pennsylvania and Ohio have the most puppy mills in the U.S. (Mama adopted me from a rescue group in Ohio)

***Over a million dogs are put to "sleep" every year in this country

***Dogs and cats should be spayed and neutered so there are not so many homeless animals

I don't know how I got so lucky. I found a forever, loving home with Mama. But there are lots of dogs and cats out there that need a nice home too.

Mama says that one day, she will get a big sister for me. And when she does, she will find her at the shelter or at a rescue group, just like she found me!

My Best Blue Steel Imitation

2008-04-04T01:42:00.008-04:00

Here it is, my best imitation of the Blue Steel look, perfected by Ben Stiller in the movie, Zoolander. What do you think?

Flixster - Share Movies

Snackin' at the Shake Shack

2008-04-04T00:37:00.010-04:00

When the weather is nice, I like to go with Mama to the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. I've gotten better at waiting quietly if there is a long line. After she orders, Mama takes me to the dog run at the park so I can play while she waits for the food to be ready. Then we go pick it up and we find a bench to sit on.

Mama always shares bits of her cheeseburger with me. It's scrumpylicious. Mmmm...I'm drooling as I type...

Darla the Reindeer Chihuahua (video)

2008-04-03T18:08:00.005-04:00

There is a little girl named Darla in my Monday night doggy play group. She has light brown fur with big brown eyes. I heard her mommy tell Mama that Darla is a Reindeer Chihuahua. Wow, I didn't even know there was such a thing. Anyways, she was kind of a flirt.

Day 1: Training to be a Pet Therapy Dog

2008-03-31T10:22:00.006-04:00

As some of you know, Mama has enrolled me in a training class to become a Pet Therapy dog through St. Vincent's Hospital. Our first class was this last Saturday.

I almost got kicked out the first day! What happened is, we were in a big gymnasium. There were about twelve other dogs there and we weren't allowed to smell each other or anything. That made me nervous because I need to sniff things out. And wouldn't you know it, a big ole German Shepard sat right next to me and kept staring at me with his giant face. So I did what I normally do: I barked and snarled and tried to act tough.

A trainer lady went around and inspected all the dogs. She came to me and opened my mouth, checked my ears, lifted my paws, and brushed me. I was fine. But then she rubbed my fur all around when she was petting me and I didn't like that, so I nipped at her a little bit. I know, it wasn't nice, but I was nervous. They said if I did that again, I would have to leave. So the next time another trainer came around to do the same thing, I sat there and didn't do anything. So, they let us stay, even though I wanted to go home.

The rest of the afternoon was cake. First, they made us walk one by one around the room and show the trainers that we knew how to walk nicely next to our human. I could tell Mama was a little nervous, so I was extra good.

Next, we had to show them that we knew how to sit, lay down, and stay--even when our human walked away. Easy as pie.

Then Mama had to walk straight up to one of the other ladies with a dog and talk to her while the dogs were supposed to ignore each other. No problem.

Next, Mama and I had to weave our way around a bunch of people standing in a line with their dogs. I wasn't allowed to sniff or say hi to any of the dogs, so I didn't. Another easy one for me.

The toughest test was when they put a plate of turkey meat on the ground, along with a tennis ball toy and some other goodies. Mama had to walk me by the stuff and show that she knew how to correct me when I tried to sniff the turkey meat. As she walked me by the meat, it smelled delicious and I wanted to taste it, but Mama did her little "pssst!" sound and I knew she didn't want me to touch it, so I didn't. (Some of the other dogs weren't so good at this and kept lunging at the meat and the tennis ball.)

So, that was about it for the first day. The training classes last from 1 to 3 p.m., but it felt like we were there for two years, and not just two hours. We have three more classes to go, then they test us on the last day to see if we can become certified as therapy dogs.

I wonder what they will make us do next time...Tune in to find out!

Making Myself Comfortable

2008-03-29T16:25:00.004-04:00

Mama bought some furniture yesterday and brought it home. She calls it her "reading chair." She says that she will sit in it and read her newspapers, books and magazines. I guess the couch we already have is not good enough because it makes her sleepy when she lays on it to read. So she bought a special chair with a thing to put your feet up.

I like to lay on it too. It's soft and comfy. Of course, I had to break it in...my way!

Big and Little

2008-03-29T16:22:00.003-04:00

I'm a Cuddle Bug

2008-03-28T11:34:00.007-04:00

I like being next to Mama. She calls me her little Cuddle Bug. Other nicknames she has for me are Poopy, Angel Bean, Jaspy, Little Man, and Luv-ahhh (like how those ladies in the old black and white movies say "lover"). She comes up with new ones every day.

Lately, Mama's been reading a lot, so I like to cuddle up next to her on the couch. She gives me tummy rubs and I sigh and wiggle around. I'm as content as a baby sucking on a binky.

[Update: Mama has come up with a couple of more nicknames since this posting: Boobly-boo and Love Bucket.]

I Got Microchipped Today

2008-03-27T17:09:00.004-04:00

Mama is nothing if not spontaneous. Today, on our walk home from the dog park on the Hudson River, she decided to stop in at the Greenwich Village Animal Hospital so that she could use their scale to weigh me. (I weigh 8 pounds now. Wow! I've gained three pounds since coming to live with Mama.)

While we were there, Mama started talking to the doctor that came to say hi to us and she decided to get me microchipped right then and there. It cost $65. What they did is, they got a needle and poked it between my shoulder blades and stuck a microchip under my skin. It didn't hurt that much and felt like someone pinched me for a second.

The microchip is tiny, like a grain of rice, and has a number coded on it that corresponds to Mama's name and phone number, so if I'm ever lost, whoever finds me can take me to the doctor or an animal shelter and they can scan me like a bag of potatoes at the grocery store and Mama's info will pop up in the computer. At least that's the idea. I plan on never getting lost from Mama, so the microchip is just a backup emergency plan.

Exciting, huh? You can go to www.homeagain.com if you want to read more about microchipping.

Huggins the Hairy One

2008-03-26T17:24:00.006-04:00

Mama got a new camera so she has been using it a lot. Her favorite thing right now is to take videos of me. The new camera even has sound, so you can hear me snarling--but I'm only play fighting.

Yesterday, I played with a dog named Huggins. We're the same age (1 year). Huggins is a mix of Bichon Frise and Pekingese, which they call Bichonese. I liked to pretend like I was biting him, but he was so puffy that all I got was a mouthful of fur every time.

Wrestling at the Dog Run

2008-03-22T17:36:00.004-04:00

Whew! I'm all pooped out from playing around at the dog run this afternoon. It was such a nice day that Mama and I stayed there for two hours. I wrestled and played with a white dog named Cesar and a black dog named Ember. I liked jumping on Cesar.

The Lobster Shirt

2008-03-22T12:06:00.005-04:00

Oh no. Mama bought me a blue polo shirt with red lobsters all over it. She says it will be cute for summertime.

Help! What do I do? I'll be the laughingstock of the dog park if I'm seen in public wearing this. Maybe I can chew it up before Mama makes me put it on again.

I am not happy about this.

Law & Order SVU Sighting!

2008-03-20T23:10:00.002-04:00

Breaking news!! Tonight on our bedtime walk (when Mama makes me go pee and poo one last time) we saw them filming an episode of Law & Order SVU. First, we noticed a lot of bright lights that were set up one block from our apartment. Boy, it takes a lot of people and equipment to make a TV show. There were lots of guys standing around and big heavy lights and trucks and trailers that filled the street.

Mama saw Detective Olivia Benson (aka Mariska Hargitay) and got all excited. But we didn't take any pictures or anything. That would've been an amateur move. Plus, Mama didn't have her camera with her.

The Windy City

2008-03-20T17:18:00.003-04:00

It was so cold and windy in the city today that there were no dogs at the playground. I was all by myself! At first, I liked it. Mama threw the ball for me to fetch. But after a while, it was boring. I wanted some other dogs to play with. Luckily, Harry the cockapoo showed up, and also a Jack Russell named Tanner. We chased eachother around and wrestled until Mama said it was time to go home.

It was so windy, we almost flew away!

Julian Schnabel Is Our Daddy

2008-03-20T10:47:00.008-04:00

I met two dogs at the playground the other day who have a famous daddy. Tina is a bull terrier who is mellow and playful. She scared me for a second, so I barked at her, but she just stood there very calmly.

Her brother, Frankie, is a spaz. He's half chocolate labrador and half pit bull and he's still a puppy, so he kept trying to play with me, but he had too much energy and he freaked me out.

Tina sat on Mama's lap and gave her lots of hugs. Usually, I'm the only one that sits with Mama, but I didn't mind. She was gentle with Mama.

Tina and Frankie's daddy is Julian Schnabel. If you don't know who he is, you can go here and look at pictures that Mama's friend, Michael Weschler, took for a newspaper article about him.

I hope I see Tina again. She was nice.

Here's a picture of Frankie, doing le freak le chic on another dog.

A $3,000 Dog?

2008-03-19T10:13:00.007-04:00

Last Saturday, I met a dog that cost $3,000! I heard Mama talking to a lady at our playgroup and she was holding a pretty little dog that looked like a Yorkshire Terrier. It had a Yorkie face and long silky hair, but it was black, white and silver with tan spots.

The lady said it was a new kind of dog that only started coming to America from Germany in the last few years. It is called the Biewer Terrier and the lady pronounced it "bee-vair". She said they used to cost around $6,000, but the price has gotten cheaper and she paid $3,000.

Wow. Mama got a bargain by finding me through Petfinder and only paying a $250 adoption fee.

That's the bee-vair dog, Maya, sitting on her mommy's lap and staring at me. (She likes The Jasper.)

My Studly Charms

2008-03-19T09:57:00.006-04:00

Here I am modeling a new necklace that Mama got me....

Let's get a close up of it shall we?

In case you can't read it, the charm says "stud". Ahem.

Simply Fido (Product Review)

2008-03-18T11:04:00.003-04:00

Last Christmas, I got a yellow bone chew toy (also from Auntie Jes) made by Simply Fido. It's an all natural, organic dog toy company. This one's my favorite because I can chew and chew on it and it doesn't tear open. It's really soft and when I bite hard, it makes a squeaky sound. Mama likes it too.

I also got a bigger Simply Fido stuffed animal toy, but I left it at my grandma and grandpa's house in California over the holidays. They said they would mail it to me, but I still haven't gotten it yet. I guess I'll have to wait a little longer. Meanwhile, I will chew on my bone and make it squeal.

Sniffany & Co. Blue Box (Product Review)

2008-03-18T10:40:00.003-04:00

Auntie Jeseka gave me this Sniffany & Co. Blue Box toy. Wasn't that nice of her? I saw them for sale at Trixie & Peanut and it costs $15! I like chewing on it because it's soft and squeaks when I bite it.

But my sharp little teeth tore into it and made a big hole and all this white puffy stuff started coming out. It tasted weird and felt fuzzy on my tongue.

Mama doesn't let me play with it anymore. She caught me trying to eat some of the white stuff and she's afraid I'll get sick or choke on it.

Oh well. Good thing I have other toys to play with.

The Orange Octopus (Product Review)

2008-03-18T10:18:00.006-04:00

Mama is always buying me new toys and clothes and stuff. Since I'm a Scorpio and kind of opinionated, I thought I would start writing reviews of the stuff I like and other things.

This is an orange octopus made of rope that Mama bought for me at DoggyStyle, NYC on Thompson Street in Soho. It cost $14. (Not cheap, I know.)

The lady at the store said that the rope toys are good because they keep their shape, even when they get chewed up.

I like chewing on the orange octopus, but pieces of string come off in my mouth. Mama noticed me chewing on a bunch of orange string and got scared because she thought I was going to swallow it and get sick.

Now, she follows me around and keeps a close eye on me when I play with the orange octopus.

I'm King of the World!!!

2008-03-17T12:43:00.005-04:00

Mama likes to drag me with her when she goes shopping. Most of the time it's boring. But sometimes, it can be fun. Like when we were at Juicy and there was a funny, pink dog for me to sniff (I don't think it was real) and a giant jar of treats. There was even a golden throne that was the perfect size for me.

Playing With Butter (video)

2008-03-16T14:41:00.015-04:00

This morning, before it started raining again, I went to the Leroy Street dog run. I met a girl who is a 3 year old Lhasa-poo (a mix between a Lhasa Apso and Poodle). Her name is Butter because, well, she's the color of butter. She was very playful. I could tell she liked me, like maybe wants to become my girlfriend.

Butter kept barking at me, trying to get my attention and flirting. I tried to be a gentleman about it, but finally, I had to run away. (She chased me!)

Here we are playing.... I hope I see her again. She was loud, but fun.

Me and Mama

2008-03-16T12:13:00.002-04:00

Me and Mama at Washington Square Park, sitting on a bench and getting some sun....

Mirror Mirror...

2008-03-15T11:48:00.003-04:00

...on the wall, who is the handsomest of them all?

Answer: Jasper! (duh)

The Master At Work

2008-03-13T10:39:00.004-04:00

Here I am, the master at work, pondering the next few words that I will type into the computer. Hmmmm....thinking deeply....organizing my thoughts...picking my words carefully...

I've started working on a novel. I can't give too much away, but it's about a dog who is a normal guy, but finds himself battling aliens from outer space bent on destroying Earth. Only he can save the world from total destruction! My agent says I have to throw in a romantic interest in the book, you know, like some girl he likes or something. "Bo-ring!" I told him. This is an action/adventure story, not a Harlequin romance novel!

The Green Bow Incident

2008-03-12T13:39:00.004-04:00

Also on our walk home today, Mama stopped into Trixie & Peanut, a fancy schmancy doggy store on 20th and Park Avenue South. I heard her tell the shop girl, "There's so many cute things for girls here!" Mama thought it would be funny to put a little, green bow in my hair and embarrass me. I was mad, but Mama said sorry and gave me treats to eat, so I got over it.

I will not be mocked!

(I found a nice little present for my friend, Sadie Mae, a rescued pit bull living with her mommy and daddy in Alameda, California. I'm going to mail it to her and surprise her. Shhhhh)

J is for Jasper

2008-03-12T13:33:00.002-04:00

On the way home from our morning walk, Mama stopped into a store called Fishs Eddy on Broadway and 19th Street. She bought a really cool mug with the letter "J" on it. J for Jasper! She let me taste a little bit of the coffee. It was bitter and I didn't like the taste of it.

Play Play Play (Video)

2008-03-11T20:54:00.003-04:00

Here I am at play group on Monday night at Biscuits & Bath in Greenwich Village. (I know you'll recognize my scruffy good looks.)

My Friend Lawrence (and a Video)

2008-03-10T15:35:00.007-04:00

Lawrence is my friend who lives on my street. He has lived in the same apartment for 30 years! He talks funny because he's from South Africa. I like to play with him.

Spring Is Here

2008-03-10T11:46:00.003-04:00

It feels like spring is here; I can smell it in the air. There are green things starting to pop out of the ground. Soon, there will be lots of flowers everywhere.

Stop and smell them.

Me and My Shadow (A Poem)

2008-03-09T11:08:00.004-04:00

On a sunny day

My shadow comes out to play

It dances and jumps beside me

Like a frantic bumblebee

I can run, and run, and run

And never run out of fun

Sometimes my shadow's big

And other times it's small

It's like a friend that's always there

My furry little bear

I whisper secrets in its ear

And we giggle quite naturally

I will always love my shadow

Because it's a part of me!