“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.
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.)
Dogs Don't Eat Pizza 
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