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CONTACTING STAR:
Rescues, email us here
Sponsors, email us here
Local adopters, email us here
Long distance adopters, email us here
Foster homes/volunteers, email us here

2/17 update from foster: Although Bear is comfortable with his foster family, he is still very shy of strangers. I had my brother, Patrick, come over just to see how Bear would react to a totally new person. Bear was pretty scared and tried to hide from him. Eventually, Bear did tentatively take a treat out of his hand (and promptly ran away) but only if I was standing close to him. Bear would not get close to him if I was not close by... Patrick was never able to touch him though he didn't try to push Bear too much. Even after Patrick left, Bear acted nervous for a couple of hours.  It has only been recently that Bear has gotten totally comfortable with Sam, even though we have been fostering them for 4 months. He will need to be with someone who's going to get him out in the world, maybe take him to obedience and agility classes, out on walks in the park where he can meet strangers, and even trips to the dog park so he can start to learn that all humans aren't mean.  He has the potential to be a GREAT dog with more socialization.

2/3 update from foster: Bear is house broken! He sleeps throughout the night and he will whine when he needs to go out. We have been keeping him inside so he could get used to normal activity in a household and he is doing wonderful! He is developing more confidence everyday and his sweet personality is really showing. As long as he is close to his family, he is content to lay on his pillow or couch and chew on a dog toy. He does not require constant attention but he will come find me in the house when he wants a little attention. Bear has a fairly low activity level but he does like to romp around in the backyard with the other dogs in the mornings. Sudden, loud noises are still a little scary for him and he will come to me for comfort if something happens. He is such a sweet loving dog that likes to cuddle with people that he knows he can trust. He would do well with another dog companion if his family cannot be around all of the time, though he has shown no separation anxiety. Bear needs someone that would be willing to give him time to gain trust and confidence in his new living situation. If they are willing to do this for Bear, he will more than compensate with his gentle and loving soul! All he needs is someone to give him a chance! He is worth his weight in gold!

1/18: Bear has finally made the decision that he wants to come inside with my dogs! He has done a fantastic job inside! He is calm, relaxed and has not marked anywhere in the house. He has also been started on fish oil and a high quality dog food to give his coat a nice boost!

12/15 update from foster: Bear is so sweet and loving! He is still a little shy and submissive but he craves attention. When I pet him, he just leans into me because he enjoys the attention so much. Since he has been at my house for almost 3 weeks, he has gotten very comfortable here and is more open to new experiences. He only barks when someone or something comes around the house but is very quick to stop when told to. He now walks well on a leash. He is fantastic with my three dogs and is fine with being a lower ranking member of the pack. He still gets intimidated by new dogs but I believe that he just needs time to adjust and he will be great! I would really love to see him go to a new home where he can get all of the attention and stability that he wants and needs! He would be perfect for anyone that wants a fairly low energy buddy to hangout with! Who could resist his adorable face and beautiful black fur with golden flecking?

He will be neutered, heartworm tested, bordetella and rabies vaccinated 11/27/12.

Another update from foster: I just wanted to let you know that Bear and Bruce are good with other dogs that are friendly. They both have had the opportunity to get to know my dogs through a fence and today I let them meet without the fence between them. They did great! They are both quite playful! I just think that Bruce and Bear are easily intimated and scared so their natural reaction is to be defensive. They just need time to acclimate to new dogs, people and places!

Update after 1 week in foster: He has been making great progress! It is still obvious that "new" experiences, like putting on a collar and walking on a leash, are a little frightening but he is doing so much better! Now, he actually comes up to greet me when I go out instead of moving away! He has entirely stopped growling at the other dogs and now acts friendly towards them. I think all that he needs is someone that would be willing to slowly acclimate him to new experiences and he will be great! He really is a very sweet and loveable dog!

Bio: Owner surrender due to moving. Lab/Shepherd mix that will be 1 year old in December. Came together with sibling Bruce. Big Bear has obviously not been socialized much during his life. Big Bear is a little scared and confused since being moved into a foster home. He is cautiously friendly with people though he is uncomfortable with sudden movements. Big Bear is the more bold of the two brothers and even wags his tail and lets me pet him occasionally. Bruce appears to rely on Big Bear for security and comfort. He will growl at other dogs but appears to be just scared and intimidated by them at the moment. Since obtaining them yesterday afternoon, they have growled less at the other dogs but they have not been in direct contact with other dogs (only through a fence) yet. Hopefully, Big Bear will become more comfortable the longer that he is here. I really think that Big Bear and his brother have a lot of potential if someone would be willing to give them a chance and time to adjust. I will provide more info as they progress. Going for vetting on the 26th.

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