Although no doubt all in line were fans of Dana Perino, it was Jasper for whom they came bearing gifts.
Dana Perino was at the Lake Sumter Barnes & Noble on Saturday to sign copies of her second book, “Let me tell you about Jasper … How my best friend became America’s dog.” People came with treats, gifts and in one case their own Vizsla, same breed as Jasper.
Perino’s second book is really a result of her first book, “And the Good News is….” Her editor made her drop a chapter to shorten the first book. The chapter that was cut was about her dog. Her first book became a New York Times bestseller and opened the door to a second book. Expanding the chapter into a book and adding some really great art pictures of Jasper from an artist she met on twitter who prefers to remain anonymous.
“He just enjoys the work and doesn’t want the limelight,” said Perino. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of her book about four-year-old pure bred Jasper goes to Companions for Heroes an organization that matches companion dogs with wounded veterans.
Larry Greene brought his Vizsla, Siri Shalom Goldstar, from Winter Garden to the book signing. He enjoys watching Perino on “Five at Five” on Fox News. Calling her a mentor for young women, he was purchasing books for his daughter and niece.
Karen and Mark Campeotto brought Newman’s Own Turkey and Sweet Potato dog treats for Jasper. In town on the Villages Lifestyle tour, they heard Perino mention her trip to The Villages on the One Last Thing segment of “Five at Five.”
Just for fun,Villager Joe Miraglia and his daughter brought in pictures they have taken of their dog Jasper. Not sure of the breed because he is a rescue dog he looks very much like Perino’s dog. These aren’t typical pictures, but of their Jasper in human endeavors working at a desk in shirt and tie or sitting at the table with the Thanksgiving turkey.
The gift that really stopped Perino for a moment was the Chinese brush calligraphy of Jasper’s name done by Village of St. Charles resident and Lifelong Learning instructor Shiap Chang Ploss.
“I keep a wall of paintings and pictures of Jasper that people have given me,” said Perino. “This is definitely going on my Jasper wall.”
The line moved at a brisk pace because this is one of four book signings Perino was doing on Saturday, but she took the time to have a brief but genuine conversation and picture with each person in line. After the Villages she was heading to Lakeland, Tampa and Fort Meyers. “I really don’t want to take time off from the show right now so I am packing them into the weekends.” She will be part of the Miami Book Festival on Sunday morning and then back to New York.
Asked what word of advice she would give to the incoming press secretary, Perino said, “To embrace it. Know that it will be stressful. It will be wonderfully challenging and the best job you will have in your life.”
If you would like to view some of the art pictures of Jasper go to www.danaperino.com.
