Baron von Beaglestien “Bear” Nov 2003? to 4-22-13
“Tribute to Bear and a life well lived”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0uRI9BkwLI
Bear came to us in Nov. 04 when he ran up to my Husband’s truck. We figure he was left behind by hunters that frequented our area. He was wet and very cold, had never been inside a home, was intact and peed on everything and he had zero training. He was estimated to be about a year old at that time.
Training started immediately and after we determined that he was likely abandoned and no owner could be found, he was neutered and joined our family. Over the 9 years, we had many excellent adventures together including several trips to Dog Scout camp, kayaking on several rivers, many fundraisers in which Bear raised thousands of dollars by collecting money from people and dropping it in a bucket and earning 31 different Dog Scout badges. I found he had a knack for Search and Rescue, was obsessed with lure coursing, loved agility and that kayaking was one of his favorite activities.
In February of 2013, he lost an eye due to a tumor and on April 10th of 2013 was diagnosed with an inoperable prostate tumor. It was estimated he would have about 2 months, but it wasn’t two weeks. We increased his pain meds, but he still had times when he was too uncomfortable so we made the heartbreaking decision to take one last boat ride and hike and then say our final goodbyes.
I wish I could have captured time in a bottle to enjoy this special boy whenever I wanted. But photos are as close as I can come to that. This little Beagle was truly one of a kind in his fearless ability to learn and try new things, enchant every person he met and flirt with all dogs. He was a teacher, best friend and snuggle buddy for me like no other dog I have had or worked with.
It is so hard to know that I won’t be seeing him zipping around the yard or laying out back watching for rabbits to chase or sleeping on the couch looking more comfortable and peaceful than any dog I have ever seen sleep. And I know that no other dog will ever be like my Bear Bear. And no other lyrics express how I’m feeling better than Time in a Bottle:
If I could make days last forever
If words could make wishes come true
I’d save every day like a treasure and then,
Again, I would spend them with you
But there never seems to be enough time
To do the things you want to do
Once you find them
I’ve looked around enough to know
That you’re the one I want to go
Through time with
If I had a box just for wishes
And dreams that had never come true
The box would be empty
Except for the memory
Of how they were answered by you
It was a wonderful ride Bear and I will treasure the memories forever. Love you little man.
Waiting At The Bridge 