Hey Janet,

Since Jasper has just turned one, I thought it timely to give you an update on how the little guy (but not so little anymore) is doing and post some photos (http://homepage.mac.com/alatta/PhotoAlbum9.html).  We had our first trip to the snow recently and though there wasn't much left on the ground, J had a blast playing in it.  At first he was stepping really lightly and picking his feet up really high in the air but once he figured it out he was sliding around like a veteran snow dog.  We also had a scare the other night when I came home to find him very sick.  A trip to the E-vet to learn that he either had a virus or was bitten by something (and that I am apparently a hypochondriac) and some pills to treat his symptoms.  The next day he was back to his normal - bouncing off the walls - self but it scared me enough to clear out the house and set off bug bombs in case any culprit critters were still lurking around.

He's really growing up and I think we have seemed to avoided doggy adolescence (knock on wood).  For a while I worried that I might have been spoiling him in trying to increase his confidence but he has such a strong drive to work and his behavior reflects that with a 98% reliable recall in any situation.  He's still got tons of energy which I love because he keeps me company on hikes and walks and is a blast to take to the park.  We've started playing frisbee a lot and he catches every half way decent throw in the air.  I've been keeping it low so as not to strain his joints while he's still growing but the few misplaced throws has revealed him to be quite the adept jumper and a real frisbee prospect.  He's already got a good fan base since we play during soccer practice in the evenings and the kids think he is pretty cool and stay after their practice to watch him and throw the frisbee a couple times.   He also is a superstar at agility, well beyond any other dog in his class an attracting the eye of our instructors.  He is so fun to work since he is so quick to learn and enthusiastic to learn new things and we are shaping up to be a really good team - he makes up for my slowness and baffled signals.  His toy drive is intense which translates into great speed and drive on the agility course.  Combined with his natural athleticism, especially on the jumps, I think he will be a real contender.  He also continues to show promise in obedience and we will be starting jumping and retrieving and Advanced obedience in January.  The drive, quick rate of learning, and enthusiasm for doing a job have also led me to consider working with Jasper in tracking.  One of his favorite indoor games consists of me hiding a bunch of stuffed toys around the house and him going to find them one at a time.  Sometimes when my BF and I come home, he will hide somewhere around the yard and Jasper will bolt out the door to go find him.  He is always dead-on.  Basically, he's a genius in my book and its been fun to teach him quirky new things (like getting ice from the dispenser on the freezer so he doesn't have to bark at the door).

Jasper is still very popular at the dog park and is a master play instigator.  Having such an intuitive nature around other dogs, he is gentle or submissive when needed and leaves potentially bad situations before they start.  He also continues to be more accepting of strangers and is only cautious around some men who come onto his territory.  Somewhat surprisingly, he's great around kids (that intuition kicking in I guess) and very tolerant of tugging and poking.  I think that "Jasper" may be my niece's first word ; ) - needless to say, she is quite the Jasper fan.

And a real lovebug.  He loves his snuggle time and gets really excited when I get my laptop out since he knows he will get to join me in my chair to snuggle while I work.  It is such a funny contrast with his full tilt, no holds barred attitude during the day and I couldn't ask for a more perfect mix of personality traits.  He's always up for anything and has such an expressive face.  He seems to have a self-awareness to complement his intuitive sense and I swear he tries to be cool around other dogs or people.  My older dog, Deuce, and he continue to get along famously, sharing food, toys, beds, etc., playing constantly, and never once fighting.  Deuce is a bit jealous of Jasper at times and tries to hog his attention around other dogs but Jasper takes it all in stride and manages to keep all his playmates content.  He's a real comedian around the house too and keeps me laughing at his antics.  A great mix of fun, playful, serious, enthusiastic, and loving.

I hope you and your family are doing well and enjoyed Thanksgiving.

Best holiday wishes,
Xan

Uh, Xan, I don't think you're dodging the adolescent phase!! Love the blue feet!
"Walk softly and carry a BIG stick!"	Such an Aussie! It always takes two to bring something back!
Xan's boys at Ft. Funston	Agility Dog!
"I am NOT sleepy. I am NOT sleepy...."	Snuggle bunny!