For a little over a year, I’ve been working to manage my boy Bear’s deteriorating health. On Friday, March 24th, I had to let him go.
Winter 2021/2022 was really hard on Bear. He could no longer climb on the bed or get into my suv. My snuggle bug who loved to go for car rides could no longer do either one.
I traded my Rav4 for a minivan that was closer to the ground and easier for him to get in and out of. I worked on his diet to get more weight off and help his joints.
The move to Florida helped too, providing warmer weather and a more mild winter.
I tried not to notice the change in his behavior and the occasional falling. I was hoping every day for a few more months.
We recently moved to a farm, and Bear was enjoying some off leash freedom exploring the woods around the house. I saw a spark of the old Bear and foolishly hoped that we had a few more years together.
On Thursday, March 23, we took a walk down the driveway. It’s level, packed sand with zero things to tip on, but Bear fell and had trouble getting back up. After that, he wouldn’t leave the front yard.
I knew in my heart that he was here for me, and I knew I had to let him go.
I stepped back a little from my dog training when I moved to Florida, but I’ve had trouble stepping back into it, because Bear had been the inspiration for this site. He taught me that even rescue mutts want a job.
So… In honor of my sweet boy, I’m getting back out there. It hurts, and I miss him terribly, but I owe it to him to do better.
