10/08/2026
Sometimes, fostering for two weeks can change a lifetime. ❤️🐾
On 13 September 2014, just two days after the devastating fire at Manchester Dogs' Home, the Harrop family arrived simply wanting to donate food and supplies.
While waiting to hand over their donation, they were asked if they could foster a dog for two weeks. With so many dogs desperately needing somewhere safe to stay, they couldn't say no.
Then they saw Jasper.
Just six months old and absolutely terrified, Jasper was so frightened he had to be carried out in someone's arms. The moment the Harrops saw him, they knew he was the one.
Those two weeks turned into almost twelve wonderful years.
In October 2014, Jasper officially became part of the family — complete with his magnificent new name, Jasper Jazzy Jeff Harrop, which apparently provided years of entertainment whenever it was announced in the vet's waiting room! 😂
Jasper went on to enjoy family holidays — although preferably without the sea or sand — and was happiest finding a sunny spot to relax. His seasonal alopecia meant his little pink patches needed plenty of Factor 50, too. ☀️
But most of all, Jasper was simply a gentle, loving soul.
His requirements for a happy life were pretty straightforward: cuddles, someone's knee, cheese and, above everything else, pork pie. ❤️
Sadly, Jasper passed away on 6 August.
His family have spent the days since looking through years of photographs and videos, laughing at the memories and shedding more than a few tears.
And amid that sadness is an enormous sense of gratitude.
Had someone at Manchester Dogs' Home not asked one simple question on 13 September 2014 — "Could you foster a dog for two weeks?" — the Harrops might never have known the unconditional love, companionship and happiness Jasper brought into their lives.
Jasper really was one in a million.
Sleep tight, Jazzy Jeff. ❤️🐾
