A good dog is loyal to the end–and beyond. This was the case of 12-year-old Bear, who guarded and grieved over her beloved owner, 76-year-old James Ringle, for three days after he passed away. She didn’t get up to eat, drink, or use the bathroom, only leaving his side after his nephew found the pair and took Bear to a local rescue to be cared for.
When BARCS of Baltimore, Maryland (you may remember them from this recent story) took Bear in, they knew they had to find this precious girl a loving home. After all, this sweetheart lived to be loyal to a family; that much was clear.
“Bear’s loyalty will help get her a home–we just know it. You’re going to fall in love with this darling girl when you hear her story,” the rescue wrote on Facebook.
Although the pup was understandably heartbroken and confused, her loving personality still shined through her despair.
“Bear is a quiet girl here…But, there is a light in her that brightens when she gets outside for a walk with our volunteers,” reads the post. “She smiles, she trots when she walks, she leans into you when being held and loves to lay on a cool ground. Bear is an absolute doll.”
Despite her amazing story, there was little interest in Bear during her first days at the shelter. But as the tale began circulating on Facebook, everything changed.
“My favorite part of this whole story is the power of social media,” said BARCS’ public relations director Bailey Dickens in a story by People. “This was a dog that was here for several days and she was overlooked by people who wanted puppies. As soon as we posted her story on social media, there was incredible interest in her.”
That’s when the story of the endlessly loyal pooch caught the attention of Chelsea Hagerty and her fiancée Alex Cheamitru. Having fostered for BARCS before, they decided to submit an application, and as it turned out, they were the perfect adoptees.
“I was surprised when we got her because we were [not first] on the list,” Hagerty told People. “I was so happy to bring her home … I just figured she is old and tired and she shouldn’t have to spend the last few years of her life in a shelter. She should have someone take care of her, like she took care of her [former owner].”
Now, Bear is home with her new parents and a 2-year-old pup sibling with a perfectly appropriate name.
“Our other dog is named Panda. And now we have Bear. I guess it was meant to be,” said Hagerty to People.
The senior sweetheart is adjusting nicely to life with her new family. After all, she’s got another chance to do what she lives for: to love and be loyal.
“She is so sweet and affectionate. She is like a little shadow. And she loves to lie all over you. She’s the epitome of everything you’d want in a loyal loving dog,” Bear’s new mom said in the story.
Thanks to this wonderful couple for giving Bear her second chance. We love this happy ending!
(h/t: People)
