Jump to content
BC Boards

Bear


airbear
 Share

Recommended Posts

Today, I said goodbye to my once-in-a-lifetime dog, Bear. My best guess is that he was about 14 years old. He had been having kidney issues all year, though you would never have known it until the last couple of months. Up until the end of the summer, he was still playing ball with my border collies, and holding his own. But when he didn't want to eat, I knew that he was telling me that he was tired, and that he wanted to go. An aussie turning down chicken liver is a very serious matter.

 

Bear was my "first" dog in so many things - agility, disc dog, flyball, musical freestyle ... he did them all. He qualified at every agility regionals at which he ran, and he competed at two Nationals. He had no real training in flyball, but he earned his FDCH easily. I think we even had a 0.00 start once! But his true love was stock work, though I never did get a lie-down on him in 6 years of trying. He had a lot of instinct, not a lot of talent, and he usually made a mess of things, but he gave me a glimpse of what true partnering up with a dog could be like. Because of him, I became interested in herding, in sheep, and in working sheepdogs. Because of him, I have Lou and now Rex. I will always remember him in a field full of border collies, the large black blob at the back of a streak of black and white.

 

Bear was wonderful with all people, but he loved children the most. He always had a butt wiggle and a kiss for any kid who wanted one, and even a few who didn't. He brought Wick out of her neurotic shell, and made her a more confident, social dog.

 

Dog #82 at the Vancouver SPCA turned out to be my heart dog. I loved him, I miss him, and I hope that we will see each other again one day. Go Bear go! I hope you can catch a squirrel on that side of the Bridge.

 

Bear ATChC MSCDC O-NAC O-NGC O-OJC S-TG-N TN-N FDCH

us.jpg

 

bear_headshot.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 50
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

If only everyone could have a 'Bear' in their lives, the world would be a far better place. Bear was a handsome fellow and I can only imagine how much he will be missed. Kristi, you gave Bear a wonderful life. Rest easy, Bear.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is the second time I've said goodbye to a dog named Bear this year. He will be waiting for you on the other side of the Bridge Kristi. *hugs*

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Today, I said goodbye to my once-in-a-lifetime dog, Bear. My best guess is that he was about 14 years old. He had been having kidney issues all year, though you would never have known it until the last couple of months. Up until the end of the summer, he was still playing ball with my border collies, and holding his own. But when he didn't want to eat, I knew that he was telling me that he was tired, and that he wanted to go. An aussie turning down chicken liver is a very serious matter.

 

Bear was my "first" dog in so many things - agility, disc dog, flyball, musical freestyle ... he did them all. He qualified at every agility regionals at which he ran, and he competed at two Nationals. He had no real training in flyball, but he earned his FDCH easily. I think we even had a 0.00 start once! But his true love was stock work, though I never did get a lie-down on him in 6 years of trying. He had a lot of instinct, not a lot of talent, and he usually made a mess of things, but he gave me a glimpse of what true partnering up with a dog could be like. Because of him, I became interested in herding, in sheep, and in working sheepdogs. Because of him, I have Lou and now Rex. I will always remember him in a field full of border collies, the large black blob at the back of a streak of black and white.

 

Bear was wonderful with all people, but he loved children the most. He always had a butt wiggle and a kiss for any kid who wanted one, and even a few who didn't. He brought Wick out of her neurotic shell, and made her a more confident, social dog.

 

Dog #82 at the Vancouver SPCA turned out to be my heart dog. I loved him, I miss him, and I hope that we will see each other again one day. Go Bear go! I hope you can catch a squirrel on that side of the Bridge.

 

Bear ATChC MSCDC O-NAC O-NGC O-OJC S-TG-N TN-N FDCH

us.jpg

 

bear_headshot.jpg

 

 

My heart goes out to you Kristi. You never forget the first ones and they remain in your life forever. But it is in a good way that we remember them and it is in a good way that we let them go to a better place. Cherish the memory. It is sacred.....Bob

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I posted this when I lost my "heart dog", Missy, last year. It is engraved on a little glass shrine, courtesy of Karen, that stands next to the urn in our bedroom holidng Missy's ashes. This poem is very special to me, and I share it only with those who have lost a "heart dog", as I know Bear was to you.

 

ODE TO A "HEART DOG"

 

So this is where we part, my friend,

And you'll run on, around the bend,

Gone from sight, but not from mind,

New pleasures there you'll surely find.

 

I will go on. I'll find the strength.

Life measures quality, not its length.

One long embrace before you leave,

Share one last look, before I grieve.

 

There were others, that much is true,

But they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought,

Will remember well all you've taught.

 

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

The fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

Take this with you....I loved you best.

 

-- Author Unknown

 

Via con Dios, Bear. Missy will keep you company; and maybe between the two of you, you can catch that dagnabbed squirrel...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh, Kristi. :rolleyes: I'm so very sorry. 14 years is a long time, yet I know it feels too short. That was a lovely tribute to your Bear, the love shines straight through. I'm in tears here, but his seeing his sweet face made me smile, too. You'll be in my thoughts.

 

Run free, Bear!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...