Bear came to live at Animal Angels with his mom, Jewel, in 2001.  A lady that operated another rescue had rescued him, Jewel and a little brother.  His little brother died at five months of age.  It seems both pups had a condition called cardio myopathy and there is nothing that can be done to correct it. Purebred dogs often have health problems, which are often caused by inbreeding.  Breeders who only care about selling puppies and don’t care who breeds with whom or people who don’t have any idea what they’re doing, think they can make some money because they have a purebred and don’t take into consideration the health of their dog.

When the lady decided to get out of rescue, she ask us if we would take Bear and Jewel, along with several other dogs.  I was hesitant to bring Bear here because I was concerned about his heart condition and being with all the other dogs.  I finally decided that being here was far better than the small pen he and Jewel had been living in.  Quality of life for Bear was important because he wasn’t going to have long.  Bear also has the distinction of being the ONLY male dog that wasn’t neutered.  We were afraid he wouldn’t make it through surgery.  It wasn’t a problem though because we spay all the females before we bring them here.

Today, Sunday, November 24, 2002, Bear passed away.  He was only 2½ years old.  It was a beautiful day and we found him laying in the yard about 10:30 AM like he was just sleeping in the sun.  Often, I would see him sleeping and would either go over to him or call him to make sure he was alive.  I knew it was going to happen sooner than later but it didn’t make it easier.  He had been happy and running along the fence yesterday barking at the dogs in the adjoining compound enjoying himself to the fullest..  I’m happy we brought Bear and Jewel here.  His quality of life was good and he was loved.  Jewel seemed to know something was wrong with her pup.  As we took Bear out of the yard in a wagon, she came with us, nuzzling him.  It was heartbreaking to see but Bear is at the Rainbow Bridge, awaiting Jewel and me.  He is in very good company at the bridge.  We’ll see you Bear.