Chow Chow

Bear - male/neutered - Chow Chow - Black coat - 8 years of age - 55 pounds

Bear's eyes twinkle happily with the self-delight so appealing and unique to Chows. His very presence in rescue seems contrary to probability, as he is an endearing, gentlemanly, and profoundly cooperative fellow.

Although Bear's fine character was never in question, his health at the time of his human's tragedy was in great question. His exercise, care, and diet had been neglected for years as his owner's declining health took precedence over his needs, yet he remained loyally by her side. He came to foster care obese yet malnourished as a result of a poor diet, something that was also reflected in his sad-looking coat and sparse tail. Fortunately, Bear began a virtual re-birth thanks to the understanding environment of foster care that acknowledged the stress with which he had been living, and the time he needed to process his great loss.

Our dedication to Bear has paid off greatly. In addition to becoming more magnificent in appearance every day, Bear has shown himself to be a loyal and gentle dog who has remained courtly, trusting and overall, very grateful for this new chance to be all that he can be.

Impeccably housetrained, Bear is a dog his foster describes as an "easy keeper". He has beautiful shining eyes and a joyful, open and expressive face. He greets new people in a collegial manner, shares his multi-dog foster home with tolerance for all, friendship to most, and a proud but prickly diplomacy with a household dominant male. (All things being equal, Bear would politely decline living with a dominant male dog.) Unlike many of his Chow comrades, he is excellent with cats, with whom he was raised, and indeed he is a bit cat-like himself; he pads about the house with dignity, and an unobtrusive but vigilant presence. Sturdy, charming, and curious, Bear is a wonderful companion.

Bear loves car rides, and is in heaven outdoors, where his favorite recreation is playing with his ball. He is a calm, quiet dog, and barks once to alert his foster family that a car has pulled in the driveway. Otherwise, his only voicing is the soft, grumbly/growly vocalizing he makes when he is enjoying a good brushing; now, thanks to good care, regular brushing is warranted for his thick, soft coat.

Bear's come-back is a testimony to his resilient nature, good vetting, and the care of his foster family, and he is ready for adoption. We are very proud of Bear, and equally proud of the insight of his rescuers for recognizing the incredible value in a dog whom many considered a long shot. He will reward his adopter(s) with the devoted faith of a great heart. We look forward to helping Bear go home.