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.
