House Arrest

Dear world,
Rosy came home from the hospital! All her bandages are off and she has a really funny haircut. Her chest is shaved, I guess its a poodle trend. Anyway, the doctor said she's under "house arrest" for two weeks. She has to stay in the cage that we got her the other day. Even when she eats! She can only come out to get carried to go to the bathroom. But she seems to really like her new room (that is what she calls her cage). She asked Mom if she would buy her some home magazines for decorating ideas.

Love always,

Bear

Prep for Homecoming

Dear world,

On Saturday, Rosy had to have neck surgery due to a herniated disc. The surgery went well, but she needed to be hospitalized afterward. So to prepare for her homecoming today, we needed to go to Petco. Mom and Dad went to get the crate, so BunnyBell and I decided to look at other things. Afterward, Dad took us home while Mom went to visit with Rosy. She got to sit outside with her and give her chicken. I would have loved to go see her! BunnyBell would have loved to go share the chicken.

Love always,

Bear

9/11 Heroic Teams

Dear world,
Today is the 10th anniversary of 9/11. All around the nation, there are special tributes to honor the heroes of 9/11. While all are equally important, I want to highlight the 9/11 Working Dog Recognition Ceremony being held today in New Jersey honoring over 1000 working dog teams who served in response to the terrorist attacks . These teams were involved in search and rescue and security at Ground Zero, the Pentagon, Shanksville and the Fresh Kills landfill recovery site. They have never been fully honored. And while I cant be at the ceremony today, I want to personally thank, pay tribute and send BearHUGs to these heroic teams.

Love always,

Bear

Pinch me!

Dear world,

As of Tuesday (after Labor day), I got my beach back! So Mom said we can go back to our old routine. I take a long walk (3 t0 6 miles) on leash with Mom and I can have off leash swim time before and after. But the other day I started walking real slow and looked at Mom with sad eyes and reminded her that I was soon going to be nine years old. So she felt bad and said from now on I didn't have to do the walks, and I can just do all swimming and playing off leash! I can't believe life got even better in San Diego! Please pinch me so I know I'm not dreaming. Ouch!

Love always,

Bear

Black Dog Appreciation Day

Dear world,
Today is an important day in our household and it should be around the world. It is Black Dog Appreciation Day. It is trying to raise awareness of and dispel "Black Dog Syndrome" -- in shelters, Black dogs are usually the last to get adopted and most often killed. I really dont know why, we think Black dogs are pretty great. We have Rosy, a wonderful Black poodle, as you know we found abandoned on the street. And my niece BunnyBell, a fabulous Black Pomeranian Mix, rescued just in time by the Bill Foundation in Los Angeles. Our family not only appreciates our black dogs, but we consider ourselves lucky, cause we cant imagine our lives without them.

Love always,

Bear

Hannah

Dear world,

I told you about my new Standard Poodle neighbors and showed you Sadie, Maxi-me to Rosy. Now I want to show you Hannah who I think is very beautiful. (Mom thinks I have a crush on her.) Hannah came back from the groomer the other day looking extra pretty and I wanted to compliment her. She had a feather in her hair! I told her I thought she looked like Stephen Tyler. And she ran away! What did I say? I just don't understand girls.

Love always,

Bear

Uncle Sam

Dear world,

On this day in 1913, the United States adopted the nickname Uncle Sam. It all began when a meatpacker, Samuel Wilson, sent barrels of beef to the soldiers during The War of 1812. All the barrels were stamped "U.S." meaning United States. But the soldiers started referring to the barrels as Uncle Sam's. A newspaper reported the story, and so the U.S, became Uncle Sam. So it got me to thinking, what if I sent those packages. Then the US would have been referred to as Uncle Bear! (that may have gotten confusing for my niece BunnyBell.)

Love always,

Bear

Wiener Nationals

Dear world,

Yesterday Mom and Dad and Sydne went to Del Mar Racetrack. Dad heard there was going to be the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals. He was excited cause he thought that would mean lots of hot dogs to eat. But instead, it was Dachsund Racing! Mom took pictures to show me since I wasnt allowed to go. The winner name was She's Motoring. She will compete in the National Finals. So it got me to thinking. Rosy is a really fast runner. Maybe we could give Rosy a haircut and spraypaint her brown. Do you think she could pass as a Dachsund?

Love always,

Bear

Happy Labor Day!

Dear world,

Today is Labor Day in the United States. It is a national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength and well-being of our country. Well that got me to thinking. Dogs are also workers like police dogs, guide dogs, therapy dogs and search-and-rescue dogs. And I work hard to protect my family and provide them with unconditional loyalty and love. So I think we should all celebrate with a pizza picnic.

Love always,

Bear

Dog Paddle

Dear world,

Yesterday we went Kayaking in San Diego Bay! SO COOL!First Dad got in the boat, then Mom with Rosy and then me. At first I was a bit scared and faced Dad. But his oar kept hitting my head, so I thought I should take their suggestion and turn around. Then I got to see everything and I was facing Mom so I was happy. I really like boating. I hope I can do it more often. I know. I will start saving money to buy Mom and Dad a boat for their anniversary in June.

Love always,

Bear

Double Golden

Dear world,
The other day when I was taking my walk, I looked over and saw a Golden looking at me. Then I turned away to sniff something and when I looked up. I thought I was seeing double! Now there were two! I was about to go over to say hello but they ran inside. I think their Mom was calling. Isn't it cool that I have all these new neighbors? I cant wait to meet them!

Love always,

Bear

The Racetrack

Dear world,
Here I am across from the Del Mar Racetrack. Its supposed to be a really cool place with lots of history. Bing Crosby was there on opening day in 1937 to greet the crowd. in 1938 Seabiscuit ran and won a race there. I would love to go and enjoy a day at the races. As usual though, my not being human kind (nor equine in this case) prevents me from being allowed to enter. So I will just listen to the announcer from afar. (I can't even place a bet cause I'm not 21.)

Love always,

Bear