We rescued Bear from Hamilton Animal Control where he found himself as a stray.

Bear is a sweet old dude. He has a happy smile and lots of tail wags for everyone he meets. His fur was matted and his ears were quite dirty. His eyes are cloudy, but he can see just fine. We’re not sure if he can hear all that well, but that’s okay! He’s very spry for a senior dog.

At his vet visit, it was discovered that Bear had a large hernia, so we got him surgery to repair it. While Bear was under anesthetic, he also had seven very rotten teeth removed, a dental cleaning of his remaining teeth, and a floppy dewclaw removed from his back leg. The surgery was three hours long, but he came through just fine! He recovered well in his foster home and had a re-check appointment a couple of weeks later. Our vet gave him the all clear to be made available for adoption! Bear has been as sweet as pie through everything since his rescue…other than giving his foster mom a hard time when it comes to taking his medication, and not being a very good boy for the groomers. He let them give him a bath and a blow dry, but got very upset when the scissors and clippers came out. Maybe he had a bad grooming experience in the past, but the groomer didn’t want to stress him out, so she abandoned the grooming. At least he got the wash and blow dry either way! Aside from this, Bear has a wagging tail and a big smile for everyone he meets.

Here’s a note from Bear’s foster home:

“Bear is a happy, energetic senior dog. His favourite activities are sniffing around in the backyard and cuddling on the couch. While Bear is a bit slower in his old age, that doesn’t stop him from playing fetch and chasing after tennis balls! He loves to play with other dogs and sometimes he thinks he’s still a puppy. He is smart and knows many commands – sit, lay down, shake a paw, come and “up up” on the couch. His hearing isn’t the best but he is great with hand signals. Bear would love nothing more than someone to sit with him on the couch and cuddle, and occasionally sit by the window to watch the birds and squirrels outside.”

Senior animals make the most wonderful companions. Adopting an older pet has many benefits that prospective pet owners might not know about. For example, older pets have manners. They’re less destructive than the younger guys. Their appearance, behaviour and health are already established. They can learn new habits and commands.

Senior pets are also often the perfect companions for senior humans. They are relaxing and comforting to have around.

Older adopted pets seem to understand what you have done for them, and they return your kindness with unconditional love and devotion.

Bear has now been adopted!

June 2016 – Bear in his forever home with his new sister “Ava”!