Bear, a Karelian Bear Dog, was born in Alaska and brought to Fort Stewart in Georgia at a few months old. He was given to his owner’s buddy when he shipped out to Afghanistan. He was put up for adoption again when the buddy had to ship out for a similar post. It was then my husband Mark rescued him and brought him home.
All his life, Bear loved to roam the woods surrounding his home. In his younger days, he would be gone for hours before making his way home. He loved playing the protector, chasing rabbits, squirrels, and birds from the yard, always making sure to slow down just enough if it looked like he was gaining on them. Occasionally, he could be found playing a game of ‘toss the turtle’ just to amuse himself. (Have no fear, Mark would go out to rescue the turtle.)
As he matured, he chased fewer woodland animals, and he stopped dragging deer parts into the yard for dessert. (Kenneth was thrilled.) His main object of fun was the UPS man, who Bear knew was afraid of him. Bear would bare his teeth, snarl, and bark, but as with other animals, Bear really didn’t want to catch the UPS man. He just enjoyed chasing him off.
Bear was the self-appointed neighborhood inspector. Morning, noon, or night might find him off exploring and making friends. He approached few people, but made friends with all of their dogs. He was equally savvy about cars, staying far out of their way. He trained his parents to let him in or out of the house whenever he knocked at the door. No one trained Bear, he trained them.
Recently, Bear’s body started to betray him. His arthritis flared, and he lost his appetite. He grew weaker and had difficulty raising himself off the floor. Finally, he was unable to keep down water.
For his faithful, loving, playful service and protection of his family, he was helped to pass from this life at 2:55 p.m., 10 November 2018.
He wasn’t just a good boy, he was the best. He was loved most and he will be forever missed.
Preceding Bear was his grandmother Norma, siblings Ginger Rose Li, Genghis, Monty, and Mario. He leaves behind his devastated parents Mark and Kenneth, his older sister Ruby (who taught him bird tolerance), his little brother Buffy, and his good friend Evan.
