The volunteers at the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) couldn’t figure it out. They had a beautiful, loving, sweet dog in their shelter for two and a half years, and they couldn’t find anyone who wanted to adopt him.
Bear is a dog who was founders a stray in Flint, Michigan, and he was brought to the DAWG shelter where he had remained ever since. “He was about 7 months old and very emaciated,” Kelley LaBonty, director of DAWG, said. “He stayed in foster care for a while, but then the foster had family who moved in, and they couldn’t keep him anymore.”
LaBonty lamented the number of people who had shown interest in Bear but who, for whatever reasons, always backed out at the last minute. Shelter life is not easy for dogs, and after so long without a real home, Bear was becoming sad and depressed.
Finally, LaBonty snapped a picture of Bear in his kennel, looking dejected and without hope. “It went viral because it was a very sad picture,» she said. «He is depressed in the kennel, as most dogs get, especially after two years of being in a kennel […] Mostly he just lays on his bed with his head down.”
Bear was a perfect dog for adoption: sweet and loving. The only consideration that was needed for a new home was that he had to be the only pet there.
LaBonty’s picture sent Bear’s sad story across the world, but better yet, it finally got Bear the forever home he deserved! In late June, Bear was adopted by a couple who promise to love him and spoil him rotten.
On their Facebook page, DAWG joyfully made the announcement:
«The moment we have all been waiting for. It looks like Bear has left the dawghous after 2.5 long years in a kennel. He has a huge yard to run and will be spoiled by his new mom and dad. He even has a trainer lined up who is donating his services to help Bear and his family adjust. Tears from all who have loved and cared for Bear all this time. Thank you for giving him the chance he needs.»
Now, Bear has a home for life, and as you can see from his pictures, he’s now a very happy pup! Congratulations, Bear! We wish you many happy years with your new family.
Share Bear’s story on Facebook with your family and friends, and encourage them to look for other «Bears» in local shelters if they are seeking to adopt a dog.
