Thank you.

Sadly Bear the Foster Dog passed away yesterday, Nov 12, 2010. His health had declined quickly over the past several days and had become weaker and weaker. His Mom and Dad didn't want him to suffer so they made the hardest decision they may ever make.

He was my first toe into the water of dog fostering. I couldn't ask for a better "we'll see how this works out" dog. He was perfect. (never made a peep until I accidentially stepped on his toe one day and that was all he said until a couple of months later when his mom called to tell me that he finally barked. Just for no reason but to let her know that he was happy and hanging out. He just wanted her to know he was around.)

He had the most beautiful eyes. They were amber colored and hypnotic. And the white ring all around his mouth made him look like he had just eaten powdered donuts--which he was always willing to eat.

Bath time was an event. SO MUCH HAIR!!! Nothing made him happier, when he was with me and Tucker (his foster sister) than to be brushed. Hours and hours he would just cuddle up to be brushed. And LORD the hair was everywhere. SO MUCH HAIR!!! I could have made another Bear just from the excess.

After Bear had come to live with us for a couple of months and made us fall in love with him, I got an email from a wonderful girl who explained to me why she and her boyfriend wanted to adopt Bear. She showed pictures of their great apt and where his future toys would be, which side of the bed was already his. I adored her. Then there was an in person meeting. I adored them both. Bear was so excited to meet his new parents. He just let them pet him for three hours. Most dogs would have wondered away or chased a squirrel or something. Not him. He just laid there and was petted.

I cried when he left us. Tears of happiness for him and how they had all fallen in love with each other and also how empty the house seemed with just me and Tucker. She didn't like being an only child. We got over the empty nest feeling when Lab Rescue of NC informed me that we were getting a puppy. Oh Puppy Abby...thats another blog by itself.

Since his adoption, he certainly was "a dog on the go". He went to UNC-A to visit his Mom and Dad at work (I'm not at all sure he didn't attend a class or two). He went to brunch on weekends with the girls. And was welcomed into the family with open arms. What a great life he had with Veronica and Tyler. I know they will never forget him or his beautiful amber eyes. He was such a good boy. Just so happy to be. They kept me updated with many pictures, emails and stories of things he was up to.

I don't know what kind of life he had before he came to me, but I know how much he was loved in his forever home forever more.

I will miss you Beary Boy. God bless.

THE MANY MOODS OF ME

Looking like I don't care that my pic is being snapped right now. Devil may care.


I'm being thoughtful in this pose.

Say "CHEESE!!!"

I feel like I could win America's Next Top Model. Just look at my many moods. I can be playful, serious and WOW, my profile is classic. I just love me. (when I smile, I look like I have a big Hollywood smile.)

PICTURE DAY

Today was picture day. I told you I was a pretty boy. Just look at my eyes. They are beautiful.

Well, its been a couple of weeks since I last wrote. I've been a busy bear. I have been on the "meet and greet" circuit. Everyone wants to get to know me. Kids love me and anyone who sees me immediately says "Awwwww he's adorable".

I have discovered a couple more hidden great things about me. (cue the Julie Andrews music).

A Few of My Favorite Things:

-love to be petted (may have mentioned that earlier

-love naps

-love to take long walks

-love to snack

-love naps (needed to be said again)

-love to play in the fountain

-love kids

-love my eyes

-love adults

-snacks, love them

-show off my tricks

-love my smile-it warms a room

-love riding in cars

-love picture day. I sit and smile on cue.

Bear's First Week

Now I know why everyone is moving from New Jersey and Ohio to come to Charlotte. I'm sure it's because everyone here has a big fountain in their back yards so I may always have cool water whenever I want. However, no one really seems to like it when I stand in the middle of it. Perhaps they feel I'm being greedy. (or that it wasn't built for a dog). Anyway, its cool water and I like it!

If I didn't mention it before, let me say it again. I LOVE A NAP!!!!! (my new mantra) Its a great thing and I still try to take a good solid nap in every room every day. I also love to watch tv. I like to think that I'm part of the show because I get right up on the screen as close as possible.

I don't have alot to say. In fact I have not had anything to bark about at all since moving in with my foster family. Not even the golfers. I let my foster sister handle all that. She has alot to say to them.

Did I mention that I'm a "pretty boy"? Thats what people say. I already know it, but its nice to hear (a thousand times a day). And a "good boy" as well. (I already know that too.)

Let's discuss how cute I am. If I need to petted, and lets face it--I need to be petted a lot--I just rest my head on the nearest lap and give them what I like to call "The Sad Eyes". Works everytime. If I sense that they want to quit, I quietly put my paw on their knee and scoot closer to them. Works like a charm. (its usually good for another 3-5 minutes more).

Dinner time is always a happy time. We eat in the kitchen and if my foster sister isn't finished with her dinner on time, I happily go help her. I am the newest member of the "Clean Plate Club". (told you I was a "good boy".)

Tomorrow I go on my first walk on the golf course. Excitement abounds. Can you imagine all the new smells and there is a sand trap right outside the back gate. Just watch me dig. And there is a lake. I can't wait till next week to tell you all about it. Maybe I can catch a duck.

Bear's First Day

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon. A brand new adventure awaited me outside of my crate at the vet's office. No one told me that I wasg going anywhere special. Just thoght it was a normal day at the vet. I was soooo excited to meet my new foster family. Especially my foster sister Tucker. (more about her on another day. Today is all about me.) I walked right up to my new family and wagged my tail, sat down and presented myself to be petted, and petted and petted. (its my favorite thing--more on that later too).

I was so happy to go for a ride with my new people I couldn't stand it. Tucker and I rode in the backseat and I behaved like a perfect gentleman--of course. No hanging my head out the window. No slobbering down the back of anyone's neck. No getting sick. Just perfectly perfect.

I live on a golf course so there are lots of people playing fetch with little white balls and silver sticks. I figure they are very lazy because when they throw the ball, using a little stick, they get in their funny carts and drive after it. They never bring it back, they just keep on hitting the ball. Hmmm. Weird.

There is alot of napping that goes on in this house. I'm not complaining. And treats for everytime I walk in from being outside. I'm really not complaining. Its been a big day but I'm going to try to take a nap in every room of the house. You have to have goals.