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Jasper the Wonder Dog by Richard Halliday

The saying goes that “your dog may only be here for part of your life, but for your dog you are their whole life.” It’s a somber message, but a bittersweet one as well; by remembering that our four-legged friends’ time on earth is precious, we are encouraged to give them the best experience we can. It’s within that dichotomy of emotion that Richard Halliday’s Jasper the Wonder Dog lives. This achingly tender tale chronicles Halliday’s precious dog Jasper, from his tough beginnings to his cross-country adventures, and finally to the love that endures long after his passing.

We spoke with Halliday on his reasons for penning Jasper the Wonder Dog, as well as what he hopes readers will take away from Jasper’s story. Keep reading to find out the answers, and check out our full review of the book here.

Q: When did you get the idea for this book and when did you decide to write it?

A: About 6 months after Jasper’s passing I knew I wanted to write his story.  We, my wife Sherrill and myself, wanted to put his story into words and illustrations. He was truly a Wonder Dog and his life story needed to be shared with the public so they could experience it and reflect on their own pet’s lives. Jasper’s charismatic personality was delightful and inspirational. He had a way of bringing out the best in people. I wanted to keep that feeling alive after he was gone.

Q: Did you have other dogs during your life? Tell us why Jasper was a special dog.

A: Yes, before Jasper we had a beautiful dog named Dusty.  We weren’t thinking of getting a dog yet, but the neighbor girl knocked on our door one night with a dog whom she saved from a homeless man. She thought we might like a dog. Dusty was also part Belgium Shepard and Chow and needed a home.  We couldn’t say no. We also took her on plenty of trips.  After her first bath, I was walking her home and Mom happened to drive by and Dusty started to prance. It was a wonderful experience. After only 3 years with us she got cancer and we had to say goodbye to her. But she left such a lasting impression we had to get another dog.

Q: Why did you feel it was important to write a book that helps children deal with loss, in this case a dear pet?

A: I didn’t set out to address the issue of loss for children, I was trying to deal with the loss of Jasper myself. In the process of sharing his complete story it naturally evolved, that the body runs its course, yet the soul lives on in beautiful memories.

Q: While the book is a lovely tale, it is also bittersweet. How did you manage to capture such a range of emotions?

A: By reflecting on our experiences together and how Jasper affected everyone he knew. Jasper had such a way about him, people that didn’t even have dogs or were afraid of dogs, loved him. Jasper had such a big, beautiful personality it was easy to capture all our emotions together. We knew when we drove to get him and when he stood up and hugged the lady that helped in his rescue to thank her, we knew he was emotional and special. Therefore, it was easy to write such an emotional story. It kind of wrote itself. That was easy, since Jasper was such a wonderful soul, I needed to tell his life story with the world. It was difficult but wonderful reminiscing about all the wonderful things we shared throughout his lifetime.

Q: What was the hardest part of the book to write?

A:  The hardest part was writing the last page, the passing of Jasper. It took me two days to write because I couldn’t see the keys to type through my tears.  I still tear up when I think about him. It’s even difficult to write these words.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from this book?

A: I want them to reminisce on the experiences they shared with their own times with their dogs or any pet for that matter. I also wanted to express the importance in rescuing and adopting a pet. A lifetime shared with a pet is a tremendous experience. It would be a shame to leave all the dogs sitting in pounds across the country. Please don’t buy from a puppy mill, or breeder when you can give a very special dog a wonderful life.

 

About Richard Halliday:

Richard Halliday has a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. He’s enjoying retirement in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, with his wife Sherrill.

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Jasper the Wonder Dog by Richard Halliday
Author: Richard Halliday
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