Bear
When we adopted Bear, we left flyers in the Park to let others know he was ok.
On his first day with us, Bear was cold, wet, dirty and his fur was matted, but we started working with him right away.
Bear looks at Trish after we dry him off and get him moved-in on his first day with us.
On day 3, Bear is much more comfortable as he lies in the sun, and with lots of brushing his coat is in better shape.
Bear plays Joe Cool with his sunglasses on.
Chewing on a softball.
Catching a quick nap in the front room.
Bear looks very nervous after coming home from his neuter surgery.
Relaxing in the living room.
Goofy dog rolling around.
Stretching out to give Trish a kiss.
Sunny day in the back yard.
Hey I was sleeping!
Bear enjoys a bone.
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The first time we noticed Bear he was near the tennis courts at Low Gap Park. We didn't pay much attention at first, thinking he belonged at one of the nearby houses or with a park regular. But after a few months it was becoming obvious that he was either lost or abandoned, but either way a stray.
Trish began making attempts to get his attention, but he would scurry off, even when offered food or doggie treats. Other people left water bowls for him and we spoke to people who tried to befriend him. Later, we learned that on several occassions the county Animal Care officers had even been to the park to try and catch him. But no one who tried had any luck bringing him in.
In January several storms slammed the north coast with cold, wet, windy weather. We think he had probably had enough, was tired of it, and decided it might be time to find real shelter. One dreary, rainy morning he came close as we were walking into the park. He allowed Trish to scratch his head and followed her and, well, that was it. She was hooked. A few hours later he made his decision about her, and jumped into the back of her Jeep all by himself. That was January 24th, 2010 and he's been with the family ever since.
After getting him dried off and settled in, we got him to the vet for vaccinations and tests; all ok. He weighs in at a bit over 60 pounds and seems to be in good health. Anderson Valley Animal Rescue paid for his neuter, chip and heartworm test. We appreciate their generosity!
His coat was a mess. He has long hair with a thick undercoat. We had to cut out a lot of tangled hair in his tail and spend hours brushing him. But he was in good shape in no time.
Life with three cats has been interesting. He has been very patient with them, especially Skittles who is blind and deaf. He seems to want to play with them. Of course, the cats want no part of it. We don't leave them unsupervised.
We've converted a tool shed into a dog house and he has a bunch of toys to choose from. He comes inside when we're home (more toys), and gets at least one walk every day. We even take him disc golfing with us on weekends.
Something of an animal celebrity, Bear is often recognized by people who saw him at the park. He was also the subject of an article in the "Sunday Voices" section of the local paper in March of '10, titled "Just Another Dog Story".