Bear: 10YR old lab dumped *update post 34*

[moosmom]

Thanks Denyce.

[Aspen and Misty]

Val is working hard on rescuing this sweet old guy, she is amazing and I have no doubt that it will happen.

For those of you who may be disappointed in me for not Getting Bear: The shelter can hold about 25 dogs at a time and they only have 11 dogs right now. They keep all the dogs until they get full and that is the only time they start euthanizing so Bear has until at least mid week next week, and that is cutting his time short because he was just recently brought in and the staff consider him very adoptable. He is a happy dog who doesn't seem bothered by the shelter at all which is why his weight loss concerns me so much. I don't think it is due to stress or his environment in any way but due to sickness. He also looks like he has bad arthritis, which I expected, but he will need to go on Glucosamine at the very least. Just the change in Bear in one day still amazes me. He didn't look so unhealthy the first time I saw him but the second time I saw him I was extremely concerned about him. As Val said I have 3 other dogs along with 2 cats whose health I have to consider when I bring a new dog in which is why all newbie’s must see the vet before coming into my home, I'm just extremely cautious when it comes to my pets health. At this time I don't personally have the money to cover anything more than Bear's vaccines and heart worm test and my vet doesn't do payment plans. As I told Val he is more than welcome at my house if funding can be raised and donated to my vet in order to cover his vet cost. I'm very sorry that Bear was left behind on this trip, I know Val was heartbroken.

Ashley

[Grace]

I would like to donate for Bear. Can someone give me details of whom to call or write or whatever.

Thanks.

[dukedogsmom]

I talked to Joni (she's the one that put him on Petfinder) yesterday afternoon and she was waiting to hear from Heather who lives about an hour from where bear was located. Heather has a 12 year old dog and 5 year old daughter. She was a little reluctant about Bear in case he did have some big medical bills to start off. I told her that there were several people willing to donate money. Otherwise, Bear would have been flown to the sanctuary in Ohio. Well, Heather decided to take a chance on this sweet old guy and here they all are as a family. I'll tell you, it does my good to see this.

[Moesha]

What a wonderful update!

[moosmom]

What a wonderful happy ending.

[Grace]

What a wonderful update!! They all look so very happy.

Thanks for all you have done for Bear.

[CathyBogart]

Aww, good for Bear! What a happy ending for the old guy.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I'm so glad that Bear now has a new loving forever home. Thanks for updating us.

[dukedogsmom]

Another update and this one just warms my heart even more. I'm sending an email tonight to Heather to see how we can donate.

"I just wanted everyone to know that Bear is doing well and seems to be adjusting to his environment (and actually trying to “mark it as his own”)! Aside from his occasional wetting in the house, he is a perfect pet for us.

Last night, our daughter (Amelia) was exhausted and she had a meltdown at bedtime. Bear was very concerned about her. I was walking her to her bedroom, she was crying, he followed us back and I had to call him several times to get him to leave her room (he is typically very responsive to his name). Finally, he came back out to the living room with me, but he immediately went back to her room and stayed there with her until she stopped crying (probably about 2 or 3 minutes) and then he came back out with my husband and I. My heart melted for him at that point, I know for sure that he will be protective of her and he was meant to be with us. I will get updated pictures, he almost does not look like the same dog anymore!"

Heather

[Grace]

What a wonderful update!! Thank you, Val.

I wonder if the medicine that Glacier gives Pirate for leaking urine might also work for Bear?

[Karen]

Bear sounds much like my Sheba, who was my very best friend, first dog, teacher and self-appointed protector. It makes me grin to know he now has a family and a little girl of his own.

[captain]

Val,
That was a wonderful update. Thanks for all you did for him ....

[dukedogsmom]

Here's the latest:

Bear does not have heartworms, and his heart sounds good and his teeth look good for 10! I appreciate all of the offers to support medical expenses, but it appears that there is nothing out of the norm to treat. He is 58 lbs and the vet said she would like to see him weigh between 65 and 70 lbs. We are going to wait until next week to have him neutered, she wanted to make sure he continues eating and put a little weight on first.

Thanks again for everything. I tried to get pictures of Bear, but he is camera shy, the flash scared him off and he runs when he sees me with the camera now. In another email, she said she had tried to get a pic of Bear with the flash. He ran and she found him cowering in a corner
I may try to get a video of him and put it on youtube for all of you to see him in action.

-Heather
Isn't this great? I had a feeling he was fine. Just an old soul that needed a chance. I'm so glad that he's finally got a home he deserves

[chocolatepuppy]

How wonderful for Bear! God bless you Val and the family that adopted him.