My name is Bear!

This stunning boy is Bear. He is a very unique 2 year old Newfoundland/German Shepherd mix and his brindle colouring is so handsome. Bear is so attractive and sweet natured that he draws people in wherever he goes. Everyone comments on Bears colouring and his calm manner and how nice of a dog he is. All we do is sit back and smile...we know how special Bear is. Bear came to us as an unclaimed stray at a rural pound. Everytime we walked by his kennel at the pound he would sit there wagging this tail and put his paw up as if to say "please, pick me". There was no other option, Bear was coming home with us. Bear was in horrible condition when we took him in and it became very apparent in getting to know him better that Bear had a pretty rough start and was very neglected by whomever had him before. Bear was very underweight and even though we have got him up to about 68lbs now, he still has another 5-10lbs to go still. He's a big boy, but not giant like a true Newf. Bear was also completely matted and we have been brushing him every single day to slowly work out the mats and bring his coat to the glossy state it is in now. Through all the brushing Bear was a doll, not a complaint out of him. He did not like his bath but he stood still for it and was a good boy. Bear also has old injuries that make us wonder what happened to him and what cruelties this dog saw. His right ear is torn off and his tail is missing the last bit of it. Both of these are healed and don't cause him any concern, but they make us sad for him and what he had to endure.

Bear had no idea what the inside of a house was when we first got him. It was very apparent he was an outdoors only dog. Bear is comfortable outside and likes to lie outside surveying the scene, but he has now discovered the comfort and joy of a warm house and a dog bed. Bear is doing very well in the house and has not had an accident past the first day here. He is quiet and calm in the house and enjoys lying on his dog bed, sometimes chewing a Nylabone or Kong. He is discovering dog toys and chews and he is liking them. He will take any hugs and affection you are willing to dole out to him and even enjoys when we lie down beside him and give him big hugs. We are making sure Bear receives a lot of affection and kindness now and it seems to be working with him. He came to us a sad and depressed boy and he is changing into a happy and loving boy who is also discovering play. Bear is great with the other dogs he is being fostered with but for many days would not interact in play with them. He preferred to sit quietly and obvserve. But with every day that passes we are seeing Bear come out of his shell to the point where he now occasionally initiates play with the others and joins in on the running and wrestling. He has made huge strides in the time we have had him and we just know he will continue to fluorish in a loving and caring home. Bear is also good with the cats he is being fosterd with. Bear is just a good natured boy. He is friends to all, regardless of species.

Bear very much has the gentle and calm nature of a Newfoundland. His size is more that of a large Shepherd and he's not as wide and heavy as a Newf, but he is all Newf in nature. Bear is quiet and gentle and loving. He will walk up to strangers and sit in front of them and offer a paw. He never jumps up on people. If they stop petting him he just inches in closer. He really loves being petted and recieving kindness. We don't think Bear got a lot of kindness or attention in his previous home so he takes all that is offered him now. He is very calm in the house and would suit most home environments. He would prefer a nice fenced yard where he can spend some sunny times relaxing and enjoying the view. Bear walks beautifully on a leash and enjoys the exercise but is not demanding of a lot of strenuous exercise. He would be happy with regular walks and then interactions with his family in the house and yard. Bear was scared of car rides initially havign obviously never been on any, but he now jumps up into the car on his own and settles in for the ride. We've been taking him for car rides to the bush and then taken him on long wooded trail walks so he has learned that the car leads to good things. We have also introduced Bear to crate training and again, he was scared at first but now goes willingly into his crate and settles in for a rest when we leave. It seems most everything is new to Bear but he has a willing nature and he is very trusting so he quickly accepts what you are trying to teach him. Bear requires a patient and loving family committed to offering him a life long home free of the fear of abandonment or neglect. We are looking for an adult only home for Bear or one with older children as Bear is so gentle natured and still learning to trust that young kids and the noise and activity that go along with them will be too much for him. He would like a quiet home where he can be loved and feel secure. Bear is such a good natured boy with so much love to give to his forever family. He will be a wonderful dog sure to start discussions wherever he goes. If you are looking for a big ball of fluff to cuddle and to hang out with then Bear is your guy.

An adoption donation of $400 is required. This helps cover our costs for veterinary care including spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, heartworm test, deworming and whatever else the dog may require.

For more information or to set up an appointment to meet Bear, please visit our website at http://www.pounddog.ca/.