Bear (23-143 D) Mixed Breed St Johns, MI

Hello, I'm Bear, but also respond affectionately to "Bear Bear". Affection is how I respond to all people I meet, actually. Well...unless you are a stranger at the door maybe. Then I would bark until my person tells me it's ok. I am a good protector, if that's what you need, but mostly my job is being your companion and chilling on your lap.

I crave hugs, cuddles, kisses, snuggles and snoozes on the couch with my person. Any form of affection, words of praise, I will soak right up just like sunshine! Despite my earlier, poor life with humans who didn't care much about me, I really love ALL people. No one told me I am too big to be a lap dog. There's just more of me to love you! Humans are too stressed these days anyway. I figure my job as your dog is to be the best stress reducer there is!

You might understand why I am so grateful to have good humans love me once you know my story. I used to be an outdoor only dog. I lived 24/7 outside in a kennel, rain, snow...all of it. One day I got very very sick, and my owners surrendered me to Happy Feet Pet Rescue in order to have a better life and get healed. I was diagnosed with heartworm disease and pancreatitis. A diet of leftover pizza and chicken wings definitely messed up my digestive system. My belly is feeling good now with a proper diet, and my heartworm treatment is done! It might be why I am a little less energetic than some dogs. Sometimes I just want to take it easy and not overexert myself.

My perfect family would be older children and adults since I sometimes don't realize what a big dude I am. 74 pounds is just right, I think! I love feline friends a bit too much, so I'm told it would be best in a home without them, as well as the only dog in the home. I just deserve all the love I think!! I've never really been around other dogs. My foster mom says I have made great progress learning to walk on a leash. It was a skill I was never was taught since I was a chain dog. I respond to treats and all of these words: "nice walking", "good boy", "wait", "sit", and "down". I adore car rides and am the perfect backseat passenger! I don't even care if we go nowhere special. Being in a car is just so fun with my little ears flapping in the wind.

Indoors I excel at "sit", often without even being asked. I am very patient and quiet. I am so well-behaved indoors, non-destructive, potty and crate trained. I don't beg when humans eat their dinner and have manners to know I don't counter surf. I enjoy stuffed squeaky toys, hard Nylabones or Kongs to chew and balls to chase in a yard. I recently discovered chasing a frisbee in fun too. A few rounds of play in the yard will tire me out for awhile. I am not a high energy dog, but enjoy some play in the day to keep from boredom. I am mostly a pretty chill dude. I do have to forewarn you that I do drool quite a bit. I can't help it that my mouth is just really big. All the better to smooch you with! I let my foster mom wipe my face after eating or drinking and it usually helps clean me up.

I would absolutely love a fenced yard with space from neighbors or a country home with lots of land to enjoy with my humans. I come when my foster mom says, "Bear, come" or shakes the treat bag. I want nothing more than to please my humans. I even cash out about 8 or 9 p.m. and put myself to bed in my crate and sleep without a peep all night. I am usually pretty excited when my humans get up in the morning. I admit sometimes I jump since I can't quite contain my excitement of being with my humans again. Usually giving me a toy for my mouth helps me calm down. Once I do my morning routines of potty and breakfast, I am ready to chill on the couch for awhile.

Please give me a chance at a forever indoor home. I deserve the best life with the best people. I did mention I love all people, right? I will be sure to warm your heart and shower you with kisses when you meet me!