Asher
Silly, sensitive, funny, hard to ignore and totally a mamma’s boy pretty much describes Asher. His huge bark rattles windows but there’s no bite to this dog. Ash knows how to have a good time. Nicknames like Flyboy, Mr. Barky, and the Clown Prince hint at aspects of his personality.
Ash has always been a bark-and-let-bark kind of dog, open minded and tolerant except when it comes to the barking maniac next door, but that’s a story for another time.
Having just turned ten in February, Ash has become more introspective. He welcomes each rescue dog that comes to Asherpark with calm acceptance and tries his best to teach them how to play. But every time we say good-bye to one of our pack, it takes a toll on Ash.
Now Ash has taken on the role of mentor to young Journey. Never too old to raise a puppy, Ash has taught Journey what she will need to know as a vital member of her pack. Bless you, Asher, you have a heart of gold.
Journey
Beautiful Journey – so sweet and curious. Her name comes from a dream in which a voice whispered, “Name the puppy Journey.”
Quick to learn, always watching, never missing anything that could possibly be of interest, Journey is pleased with her life.
Happy to ride for hours in the car or sit and stare at hummingbirds at the feeder, this dog is never bored. Confident, gentle, teasing, and funny, Journey exudes joie de vivre.
She is an old soul sent to remind us that life is a journey to be embraced.
Shiloh
Survivors of unspeakable cruelty, Shiloh and her Mama came to Asherpark in 2013. Huddled together in the same crate, terrified of strangers, emaciated from months of starvation, one could only look at them and weep.
But neither Mama nor Shiloh wanted pity. They just wanted to be dogs and do dog things. And so they did, chasing around the big yards, howling with the coyotes, doing whatever pleased them at the moment.
But this joy was not to last. With great sorrow we released Mama from her failing body after eighteen months at Asherpark. Shiloh endured yet another blow when she was diagnosed with a malignant tumor the day after Mama died.
Despite the odds against her, the lousy things that happened to her and her permanently crippled body, Shiloh continues to shine like a star in the sky. Eating six or eight times a day, running with Ash, insisting on lots of hugs and snuggles, Shiloh exemplifies courage and grace.
We all know the day is not far off when Shiloh will leave Asherpark to be reunited with her Mama. We will do our best to ease her passage and wish her godspeed. But our hearts will break and tears will drown out words as we salute one of the bravest little dog souls that ever was.