Goodbye, My Friend...

You were our family's best protector, constantly vigilant. You were a walking companion, happy to be out no matter what the weather conditions. You gave us comfort during times when we couldn't turn to others. You laid by our sides night and day while we began to care for our new son. And you smiled at us, even up to your end.

We will never forget the way you would frisk to the door whenever we would arrive home, the blissful look on your face while attacking a rawhide, the funny way you would saunter through the apartment/house. We will never forget the way you'd "ninja stretch", nor the way you'd wave your paws at us for more attention.

Man can ask for no better, more loyal companion. It is our deepest regret that our time was so short. We hope that you can forgive us and that someday we meet again. Until then, rest in peace, dear friend.

- Daniel & Moriah, Dec. 6, 2007

About Bear

When we saw Bear for the first time two and a half years ago, he was a mess. He was nearly bald on his underside, with bright red skin that was like leather. He was constantly itchy, a symptom of his rather bad allergies that had not been attended to. And he weighed much more than a Corgi his size should. He was excited yet scared, as was evident by the many times he rolled over for us. It made us very sad to see an animal in such bad shape. Furthermore, we saw a wonderful little dog under that exterior, one we felt we had to nurse back to health. We got him from the rescue that night and took him home.

The early days were rough but we got through with love and care. Within a year, all of his fur had come back, his itching was under control and his skin a healthy pink. Within two years, we were able to bring his weight down to the right level and maintain it. His personality brightened significantly through time, though still far from perfect at times.

Happily, his favorite place became the backyard of our new home, a place he spent countless hours over the last six months. He loved to chew rawhide, especially if it was Bean's, and to be around lots of people whenever possible.

Since then, his mannerisms became very familiar, from the excitement at going for a walk to his frequent "waving" for attention. Equally familiar became the way he'd become fearful and even aggressive in certain situations, what we believe to be the result of abuse. We avoided these situations to the best of our abilities and tried to provide a warm and loving home. But even with the love and attention, we could not overcome the fear/aggression that had been instilled in him. It was with great sadness and tears that he passed away at 5:15 pm on December 6^th, 2007.