Bear will be 16 years old in December. Bear is a husky/collie cross. He weighs 75 pounds of all muscle (and hair). He has been in my family since he was 1 year old. I got him from the county animal shelter near Leesburg, Va. I lived in Virginia with him for several years. I took him to obedience classes and he loved every session. He was the star of the class. When I decided to move to Washington state, I couldn't bring him with me. So, my father and stepmother adopted him. He lived on their 60-acre farm in Maryland for a few years until I had a place I could keep him. He made the trip on a commercial airline. That was no easy task for such a big dog. He has adjusted to suburban life pretty well. Moving from a rural area and 60 acres, to a quarter-acre yard near Black Lake, took some adjusting. But it has proven to be a good retirement for the old gentleman. He is pretty much deaf. His eyesight is failing. And, he has his aches and pains. But he still jumps around like a puppy when we come home. I used to take him on bike rides with my children and me. However, he can't keep up anymore. So he stays at home in the shade. I consider it a privilege to have had such a loving companion for so long. I will miss him when he's gone. Yet, he will leave behind some wonderful memories. He is a true testament to the value of a "pound puppy."
(Owner: Karen Cutrell)