“Once a punkin time, there was a dog named Bear…”
When Bear would go to the vet for a procedure or shot, I would always hold her head in my hands and tell her a story, to calm her down. The stories always started, “Once a punkin time, there was a dog named Bear. And she was a very good girl, this Bear…”
So this story should start the same way. Bear died today, in our arms and surrounded by love.
Bear was the best dog ever. She was beautiful, smart, emotional, and loving. She was tough, too – she survived cancer twice and being bitten five times by a copperhead (or two). She guarded her people fiercely while still being the most loving creature on the planet.
Bear was special. She turned Dear Husband, who had never had a dog before Bear, into a 100%, full-fledged, all-in dog-lover. She was our first-born and put up with adapted when we added two kids and another dog to our family.
My heart is broken, but I know that Bear had an amazing, beautiful, awesome, lovely 14 1/2 years of life, filled with splashing in kiddie pools, gnawing on chew toys, chasing squirrels, walks, hugs, and lots and lots of love. I am trying to celebrate that despite the immense sadness.
The thing about dogs is that they only come into your life for such a short time, but they leave such a huge, indelible mark on your heart.
If you are thinking of adding a dog to your family, please rescue one. I promise you they rescue you right back. Ten-fold. Bear certainly did.
Bear at M’s First Birthday Party
Rest in peace, my sweet Boo-ba-doo. I hope that doggie heaven is filled with squeaky toys and plenty of squirrels to chase.
And pizza. Lots and lots of pizza.
(To read the story of how Bear came into our lives, please see this post.)
A "recovering lawyer," I turned in my power suits for power tools and a life of DIY. I believe in merging old and new to make a house a home.
Oh, Karen. This began as a bit of a sad day here, but now, is even more so. I’ve known that it was coming for Bear, but was really dreading this email. Our Fozz left us last year and Freddie the year before that, both at about this time of the summer. But we still have Gracie.
I’m SO SORRY for your family’s loss. It’s good you still have your other furry baby. I’m sending a big hug to for all of you. Have to go as this has started up the blubbering again
Cheryl B.
Thank you, Cheryl. I’m sorry you had a sad day, too. We are so sad, but trying to focus on how grateful we are to have had her in our lives for so long. She had a beautiful life. I’m sorry for your losses, too. It’s so hard. Thank you for your kind words, friend.
I’m so sorry for your loss! It’s so hard to lose a precious pet. We had a Katie who looked just like your Bear. They are in doggy heaven together.
Thank you, Stacey. I appreciate your kind words.
I am so sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the emotions brought on by reading this post. Tears flow as I type and remember past posts of bear. I do find solace in that you both found each other. Who rescued whom?
Thanks, Toby. I really appreciate your kind words. I’m so grateful that we got to take care of Bear and that she took care of us. She was such a blessing. Thank you, friend.
Oh, Karen! I’m so sorry to hear about Bear! I don’t even know what to say, so just sending love and hugs to you!
Thank you, Jess. I need the love and hugs – that’s perfect. I’m heartbroken but so grateful for her long, amazing life. Thank you, sweet friend. xoxo
Oh Karen I am so sorry to hear about Bear. The pictures you have shared truly capture what a loving and wonderful part of your family Bear was. She had the kindest eyes and sweetest face that will forever be in your heart. Thinking you all.
Thank you, Lauren. I really appreciate your sweet words, friend. xoxo
I am so very sorry for your loss. I lost my dog of 14 years in January,.I know how heartbroken you and your family are.
Thank you, Wanda. I’m so sorry for your loss, too. They just steal our hearts, don’t they? Thank you. xoxo
Oh Karen, I was so sad when I saw this in my feed. Bear was a true fighter/survivor and such a beloved member of your family, and in turn-the blogging community. I’m so sorry for your loss. A well lived life for sure. May the memories bring you comfort.
Thank you so much, friend. We are keeping those memories in our heart. We miss her so much. Thank you for your kindness. xoxo
Karen I am so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose a furry family member. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Thank you, Anne. I really appreciate your kindness, friend.
I’m so sorry Karen, I know your heart is broken. You gave Bear such a wonderful life, I’m not sure who blessed who more! Take care, I’ll be thinking about you all.
Thank you, Melissa. That is so true – we feel so blessed that we got to take care of Bear for so long. xoxo
Oh how I wished I lived closer! I’d be stopping by with dinner and big hug! I’m sorry for your loss but so happy for the good memories you have of sweet Bear.
Thank you! I’ll take the virtual hug!! xoxo
RIP sweet Bear, I can’t imagine. So sorry!
XO
Debbie
Thank you, sweet Debbie. I am heartbroken but I am trying to celebrate her beautiful, long life. Thank you. Much love to you.
I’m so sad for you today.
Barb
Thank you, Barb. We are all so sad. Trying to focus on her happy, lovely life, but we are missing our girl.
Karen, while I feel your pain in oh so many ways, I wouldn’t be surprised if you see Bear out of the corner of your eye, or hear things specific to Bear and think you are hallucinating… nope… I KNOW Bear is going to be around forever to keep you company even if it means not being physical form. Tough to not have Bear’s physical presence but I KNOW with every fiber of my being, Bear is there with you. You are far to intuitive to not feel it also. 🙂 What wonderful friends you all are.
Consider all of you hugged. Thank you for sharing beautiful memories.
Thank you, Christina. I know she’s with me, too. Thank you for the hugs and kind words – they are so appreciated.
I can’t even imagine Karen, prayers for you and your family!
Thank you, Amber. I appreciate it.
My heart is with you. This was a lovely post and tribute to your belived bear. Its really hard losing our pets because they offer never ending unconditional love. We had to put my little kayla down in march and i still have a difficukt time lookibg at her pictures without getting all teary eyed. Hugs to you.
Thank you, Laura. I’m sorry to hear about your Kayla. The sadness is overwhelming, and I’m just trying to be grateful and happy for her long, happy life. Thank you, friend. Much love.
I’m so sorry, Karen.
Thank you, Mickey. I appreciate it.
My heart is breaking for you, Karen.
Soon, our family will be facing a similar loss, too, I’m afraid. Our teenagers and our Lab grew up together.
Cathy, I am so sorry to hear that. Nothing you can do will prepare you for the sadness. I’m just trying to put one foot in front of the other and think of the love and gratitude I have for her long, lovely life. Thinking of you, friend. xoxo
Oh my heart is breaking for each family member. Each one of us brings something unique to the family.
Bear will continue to live in your hearts for as long as you live.
I’m so happy that you mention adopting a rescue. They truly do give 100% of everything they have right back.
But in this life, each being loves freely. Albeit quirky sometimes, it is pure love all the same.
I pray for your empty spots that Bear filled. I pray you enough memories of Bear to soothe your hearts. I pray you enough pepperoni to eat your next pizza without Bear to help.
I send hugs, kisses and tears to you all. Hank I’m so hurting for you to little one.
From my family pack to your family pack, we send pup prayers, pup love and puppy dog smooches!
Today I pray you enough.
Thank you, Hope. Your kind words are so needed and appreciated. Hank is lost right now – his alpha/pack leader is gone, and he isn’t quite sure how to handle it. We’re helping him. We’re all a bit lost and helping each other along. Right now, the empty spot seems like an abyss, but I’m trying to fill it with all the gratitude and love I have for her long, beautiful life. Thank you for your prayers, friend. They are so much appreciated and embraced. xoxo
Karen, I just officially met you at Haven but I feel deeply for you. Losing a pet IS losing a family member. Sending many hugs your way. Thank YOU for giving Bear the best life ever. Deepest sympathies and big hugs. Pet heaven is most definitely full of squeaky toys, pizza and bones.
Hi Veronica! Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so sad but I know she had a long, beautiful life. Thank you so much.
So so sorry for you and your family losing a family member is so hard. xo
Thank you. It is so hard. Trying to focus on the joy she brought to our lives. Thank you again.
Hi Karen. It is hard to find the words that will be of any comfort to you and your family. Having had to have our beautiful Alfie put to sleep four months ago, I know how hard it is to lose a treasured pet. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time. Regards, Pam
Thank you, Pam. I’m so sorry for your loss, too. It’s so hard – they fill our lives with such joy and then leave a huge hole when they’re gone. Thank you. xoxo
So sorry to hear about Bear. Our pets are family. Remember, Bear and all our rescued pets have had wonderful lives and given us all so much, too, as you said. Wonderful pictures to remember him by. Take care.
Thank you, Karen. She did have a wonderful, long life, and I’m trying to keep that in mind to balance the huge sadness we’re feeling. Thank you.
So sorry for your loss. I’m sure you all have many great memories.
Thank you, Karianne. xoxo