Meet Jasper — A Gentle Soul Looking for His Safe Place

Jasper is a one-year-old shepherd mix with a tender heart and a story that explains his cautious nature. He spent his early puppy months in a shelter — alone, cold, and unsure of the world — and that rough beginning left him with some anxiety around new people and busy environments.

Because of this, Jasper is slow to trust, especially with strangers, but once he feels safe, he is an incredibly sweet, loyal, and affectionate companion. He loves being near his people, thrives on calm reassurance, and forms deep bonds with those who give him time and patience.

Jasper does best in:

• A calm, quieter home and neighborhood

• A home with children over 12 (due to his size and energy level)

• A secure yard with a 6-foot fence

• A family that is active, patient, and committed to helping him grow

He is wonderful with other dogs — big and small — and adjusts his energy beautifully to match the dog he’s with. He would do very well with a confident canine companion to help show him the world isn’t so scary, but he would also be happy as an only dog with the right human support.

Despite his anxiety:

• He is kennel trained and sleeps through the night

• He is excellent when left alone — no destruction, no trouble

• He enjoys chewing his toys as a healthy way to manage stress

• He already knows several hand and voice commands

• He is very intelligent, agile, and athletic

Jasper is:

• Neutered

• Microchipped

• Up to date on all vaccines

He would benefit greatly from:

• Professional training

• Confidence-building exercises

• Possibly agility training, which he would likely love and excel at — he can jump flat-footed up to a person’s fingertips (and his foster is 5’6”!).

When meeting new people, Jasper may bark or retreat behind his trusted person or into his kennel — this is his way of coping, not aggression. With patience, consistency, and kindness, he blossoms into a devoted, affectionate, and playful boy.

Jasper doesn’t need perfection — he needs understanding, structure, and love. In return, he will give you his whole heart.