Bear’s Journey

By Barbara McDole, Bear’s owner and handler

Bear was born in rural Manitoba on June 6, 2005, the runt of the litter and so was the last puppy to be sold. When I called to enquire about him, I was told that a fellow from Beausejour, on his motorcycle, was on his way to get Bear, too!!!YIKES!!! I was determined to be there first, because I already felt that Bear and I were meant to be together! As I wheeled into the farmyard, I breathed a sigh of relief not to see a motorcycle! As I got out of the car, a darling little ball of white fluff, with a brown spot on his back and soulful brown eyes, cautiously approached me. The deed was done. Bear came to our house, to be mothered by Elm, our other Great Pyrenees and became one spoiled dog! Having been a teacher for 33 years and loving dogs and kids, I was thoroughly convinced that certain kinds of trained dogs could have a huge impact on kids’ lives. I was fortunate enough to connect with George Leonard of Manitoba Search and Rescue in 2006. Bear

passed the initial assessment, allowing him to enroll in the one year certification program and Bear graduated on September 29, 2007. It was very obvious early in, that he displayed

Bear’s Journey

the behavioural attributes that qualified him to be a certified therapy dog. Having taught in the Louis Riel School Division, this is where I wanted Bear to make his mark. For seven years, he brightened the days of students and staff with his calm

demeanor and valued interaction. Bear’s visits were also a big hit with Jenn and Rheanne at the St. Amant Community Homes, thanks to Andrea Sloane. The Teddy Bears’ Picnic, parent interview evenings, school picnics, reading with kids, playing at recess, flying kites in St. Vital Park, visiting school principals and secretaries and participating in Winnipeg Schools, “I Love to Read” month, were all a part of Bear’s life. This past year, 2013-2014, was to be Bear’s last year before he retired. He had been working at Marion School with David Briggs and Dr. D.W. Penner School with Lois McKay. He also continued to be a “Destination,”with our own family and neighbours.

Sadly and unexpectedly, we lost Bear to cancer on May 1, 2014. “I think we are drawn to dogs, because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be, if we weren’t certain we knew better.” - George Bird Evans