Bear 08-104 [1]

Sponsored by:

Susannah Charleson
Cheerie Smith
Dennis and Joanne

This handsome fella is Bear 08-104, a 7-year-old intact male with a long, tall body, massive head and short coat. Only a DNA test would tell for sure, but to me he looks like a cross between a Golden Retriever and Swiss Mountain Dog or St. Bernard.

Bear was rescued from a neglectful situation and cared for by a kindly veterinarian in Iowa for several weeks before coming into RAGOM and moving to the Twin Cities. As you can see from the photos, Bear was not in great shape when he was first rescued, but he has filled out considerably and now weighs 90 pounds.

His front teeth are worn down to the gum from years of trying to escape something--a kennel, fence or chain. Fortunately, his back teeth are still in very good shape. He's also got a patch of bare skin on the backs of his ears which, Dr. K. told me, is typical of farm dogs. They're often pestered by black flies to the point of scratching themselves raw, leaving scarred skin as a testimony to their discomfort.

Bear has settled in nicely here at his temporary foster home in the few days that we've had him. He respects baby gates, leaves the cats alone and is mostly housebroken. His few lapses have been my fault for letting him have access to more of the house than he's ready for. His introduction to my resident dog, a four-year-old male, was a little shaky, but once Bear understood that Chaz did not want to be dominated by the likes of him, he immediately settled into a subordinate role. They have been flawless together ever since. Bear shows no resource guarding with Chaz or any aggression to strange dogs we meet on our walks.

Bear is very well-mannered in the house. He's a super mellow fellow, rarely barks and is content just to snooze at my feet. Although he has been invited to sleep on the bed with me and Chaz, he prefers the dog bed on the floor. He's smart and a quick learner. In just a couple of days he's learned to sit and stay while I place his food dish and Chaz's on their respective sides of the kitchen.

On a leash, Bear is like walking a bull moose, so I have him on an Easy Walker harness. He would probably do even better on a Gentle Leader (he'll need an Extra Large for that big noggin of his).

Whether due to genetics or his sad background, Bear does not know what toys are for. He ignores thrown balls and has no interest in stuffed animals or squeaky toys. His favorite activity is going for walks and marking every five feet. It's a mixed blessing--we don't make very good time, but I know if I ever accidentally dropped the leash, I could catch him loitering at the next tree, bush or low-hanging branch.

Unfortunately, Bear has Stage 4 heartworm disease, which will require a lengthy treatment protocol. He cannot be neutered or adopted until he is free of heartworm. Once he's ready to go, however, he will make some lucky family or single person a wonderful companion. He'd be great as a first dog for someone without much experience--he's really that easy.

Bear will be moving to his permanent foster home in a couple of days. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers as he goes through the difficult and sometimes risky treatment for heartworm disease.