Tribute to Bear

" You think there will not be dogs in heaven? I tell you they will be there before any of us." Robert Louis Stevenson

 A Tribute of Our Beloved Bear

Beary Boy, I remember the first day I saw you! You were about 2 months old, and what a cuddly ball of fur you were. Your feet took up your entire body and oh so clumsy, you would trip over them. You followed me everywhere, up and down the stairs, outside, no matter where I went you were there. It was such a delight to teach you how to climb stairs as you would whine and whimper so that I would help you place one foot in front of the other. You grew so big and strong in such a short time. You knew not to chew slippers as you always had your toys and you remembered to carry them to the door to greet people.

Then finally you came to live with us on a permanent basis, I was delighted to have you and you have been my best companion since then. Then it was obedience school so that you would walk nicely with me and not pull on the leash, we did circles, figure 8’s, frontward and backward and you remembered everything so quickly. Just a nudge of my leg, you knew what direction to go in. The rest of the family laughed when we showed them your certificate, but the joke was on them. And the swimming games we had, diving for fish, picking up sticks and just lazing around getting dry afterwards. The tennis ball games, digging for frogs, chasing snakes, and those butterflies in the late summer but you would not chase squirrels – no matter how hard I would tempt you to chase those pesky squirrels you would only look at me and ask why. Those long walks each day, we would do at least 5 kms a day, all year long, but you did not like transport trucks so we would stop and huddle till they pass with all their drifting snow flying over us. And when we moved, your Dad had the biggest dog run in the country, he made sure the fence was up just for you. You loved to play with small children and very tolerant of their aggression and very protective as well. When someone would come unannounced you made sure you stood between me and that person, you knew the sounds of our cars, the time we should be home and you always gave a warning bark when a different sound came in the driveway or the doorbell rang. Bear I miss you and there will not be another dog to take your place. We went everywhere together, grocery shopping, drives, but not so much in the summer time as it was just too hot for you. You always felt very strongly that you should always go with me in the car, I think it was in case that you had urge to bark at nothing right in my ear. We always carried a jug of water and your water dish no matter where we went. You carried in the newspaper but not before you gave it a few good shakes. We had snowball fights and run around the garden like there was no tomorrow, and the way you did circles around everyone and oh so many times you knocked me down, just to lick my face.

I saw you slowing down, growing older, not so full of vim and vigor. You became a little overweight and when I broke my hip you protected me all those many days with recuperation. Those were the days when I could not get outside for walks, but as I grew stronger we did a few walks, but oh how you had slowed down. Your poor old legs could not manage anymore. It was very difficult to watch you suffering these past few months. I knew the day was fast approaching when you would say good luck to us and I knew I had to try various methods to try to get you going again, but to no avail. I anguished over it but fully knowing that you were going to go to Dog Heaven. I knew I had to go with you on difficult journeys. I could never say "I can’t bear to watch it" or "let it happen in my absence." I knew everything would be much easier for you when I was there. Remember, I love you.

I have lost my dog; I’ve lost a joyful part of my life. In this time, and for awhile to come I will deal with my grief in many ways. I will also seek comfort in the wish that you have passed over into a place where you run free and forever happy; where the love you have given is returned many times over.

Love, MUM

Bear, age 10,  died November 23, 2002 at the his residence, after a short illness assisted by Dr. M.A. deWolde.  He was born April 4, 1992, in Kingston, the son of champion breed. He was a member of the local Anglican Church and an officer in the Sons of the Kennel Club.  He served for 10 years as a faithful family member and companion in the local area.

He is survived by his parents, two brothers and two sisters. 

Private cremation followed. Services was held Tuesday, December 3, 2002 at 3 p.m. at the family home. 

Always Acting! Whenever the camera came out he was the first to pose!

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies within us while we live. - Norman Cousins

Our Favorite Flower Bed!

Bear was a great companion and loved flowers.  Of course, there are many personal factors you must consider, but a Labrador Retriever  was certainly a good choice for me. I wish you the best of luck and have every confidence that you will make the right decision for you and your family.   Please contact me if I can be of further assistance.

The Canadian Kennel Club is well worth joining. It offers many valuable insights to parents of pets.  Check out the local Humane Societies in your area.  It is also a magnificent way to adopt a pet! 

If you want happiness for an hour-take a nap.
If you want happiness for a month-get married.
If you want happiness for a year-inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime-help others. -Chinese Proverb