Bear is in Doggy Heaven.

Bear

Age 15, ~1992 - September 28, 2007

It took a long time for Bear to warm up to us, but once he did, he was bonded for life!

Nickname: Goofy, Sweetie Pie

Bear and two of his friends came with the house we purchased in Texas.
Long story, but he and his two friends were the reason we purchased the house,
so that they could stay. AND, they were also the reason it took over 2 years to buy
a house in the Seattle area, because we needed to find the right place for them. When
we did, we had them fly on a freight plane, instead of a commercial plane, because we
wanted them to be with people who were watching them, instead of with the luggage.

Bear wasn't the friendliest dog, if he wanted you to pet him, he'd give you his rear end.
He never looked at you in the face. And, when I would come home, he'd come up and
put against my legs, to say "hi". When he had enough attention or petting, he'd walk away.

I was tempted to have his body stuffed, so that we could have him with us always, but
thought against it because it seemed a bit morbid.

On the day he died, he let me know he was going, by coming into the house and laying in
front of me, refusing food and just laying down. I knew something was wrong, but I was
inexperienced with dog deaths at that time. Now, I know not to take them to the Vet when
I know they are dying (different from being sick and needing meds, etc...). When I finally
got him back home, he had only one hour before leaving us for good. I wanted to spend
the entire day with him. I regret this deeply, everytime I think of Bear, because he hated going to the Vet. I should have NEVER brought him there (to make sure he was out of pain). I know now that we can ask the Vet to come to the house, to administer drugs and say good-bye.