Smile

Dear world,

Today would have been Bear's 11th birthday. This will be the last blogpost, but one that celebrates beautiful Bear. The objective for this blog. and Bear's happiness in life was to bring smiles to everyone. So please enjoy this video reminiscing back over Bear's last six years. I hope it will bring a smile to your face.

Love always,

Bear's Mom

P.S. Bear's sisters Rosy and Annie are now blogging to continue Bear's legacy of giving BearHUGs and creating smiles. Please join Rosy and Annie at www.bearhugsforever.com

Love always, Mom

Dear Bear,

You were my constant companion. You were always by my side. Your eyes never left me. And I know your heart loved me deeply during every moment of your life since the day you became my Bear. I can never be grateful enough for having you in my life.  Everyone said you were so lucky to be in our family. Oh no. We were so lucky to have you. You brought amazing joy to every day. I could never look at you without a smile and a heart filled with love.

I miss your beautiful smile with and without your tennis ball. I miss stroking your head and your amazingly soft fluffy fur. I miss your loving kisses. I miss seeing your face light up and your tail wag high when you heard the word beach. Even when the sun didn't shine, you lit up the beach with your Golden joy.  I miss watching you roll in the grass with total delight. I miss you prancing proudly with my shoe in your mouth to greet me when I returned home.  I miss hearing that deep bark asking me to “please Mom! Throw my ball!”. I miss throwing the ball to you and seeing your happy face, ball in mouth as you retrieved. I miss you snuggling beside me as close as your body could be to mine. I miss so much holding you and hugging you tight. I miss your paw on my shoulder as we rested together. I miss your paw asking me for pets.  I miss your roll over for belly rubs.

You would always be there to comfort me when I was sad. Now no one is here to gently lick my tears.

We were so incredibly connected. I felt we knew each other’s thoughts, without every saying a word.

I love you Bear with all my heart.  I could not love you any more or any deeper. And I will never ever  stop loving you, my wonderful, beautiful Bear.

Love always,

Mom 

Until we meet again

 Dear world,

Three and a half years ago, I decided to share my very special wonderful Bear with the world. Throughout his life he touched the heart of everyone who knew him both in person and virtually.

Yesterday afternoon, Bear passed very peacefully in our home, surrounded by love. I'm sure now he is sharing his love and BearHUGs with the other angels. 

I will be doing a tribute on the blog soon. As you can imagine, it may take a while, since Bear took a big part of my heart with him to the Rainbow Bridge.

Love always,
Bear’s Mom

Keeping company

Dear world,
I went to Dr. Diana yesterday, and she told me I need to rest for 10 days! When I told Annie and Rosy. they said that they will make sure I have one of them as company at all times. I guess even though my siblings are girls, and little breeds, they are just about the coolest sisters anyone can have.

Love always,

Bear

Eating for Strength

Dear world,
I was really tired yesterday and didn't feel much like eating. But Mom said I needed to eat to keep up my strength. So Dad, being thoughtful, ordered a meatball pizza. When Del Mar Pizza found out it was for me, they sent it as a gift! With the way I was feeling, I couldn't eat much, but it was SO delicious. Then I took a long nap and before I knew it was dinner time. Well Dad had another swell idea. Smashburger!  I got smashed on Fidoburgers. YUM. Then I was ready for another nap. I wonder what they will tempt me with next!

Love always,

Bear

Sick Day

Dear world,
I thought I should give you an update since I know some of you are worried. Last night I got really weak. Mom & Dad said another tumor ruptured, no wonder my belly felt really weird. So they gave me some meds and I slept and felt a little better this morning. I asked Mom if I could go to the beach. She said I could do anything I want. So we went! I couldn't do much cause I was still a bit tired. But I did swim with my bud Digby a little. And then just stayed close in with my ball. I was very happy. Then I was ready to go home and had to go to Dr Andy. I was told I have to rest for a few days, even if I start feeling better. So my main activity will be napping. Sounds good to me!

Thanks for all of your thoughts, prayers and love. I think they are helping! 

Love always,

Bear

Crazy Love

Dear world,
It happened! I fell in love. Crazy love. Her name is Taylor. And she is the most beautiful, wonderful and fun dog I have ever met (sorry Rosy, of course you are the most beautiful, but sisters don't count.)  Anyway. Taylor's absolute passion is swimming in the ocean while fetching her ball. (sound familiar?) We played for over an hour. And when we played we even shared each others balls, something neither of us ever do. I truly think she is my soul mate. I just had to make a movie about it.

Love always,

Bear

Happy Birthday Madonna

Dear world,

Today is Madonna's birthday. So Rosy decided to pay homage to the icon by wearing one of her most famous outfits. Rosy said that the outfit is so inspirational that she is thinking maybe she can become a famous icon. So now she wants Jean Paul Gaultier to design a special outfit just for her Poodle Ambition tour.  Dream on Rosy.

Love always,

Bear

Critter visit

Dear world,
I love going to see the critters at Pet Smart. On my trip the other day, first I saw this really cool bird that I totally connected with. Then I was so excited. I saw a chinchilla again! I told Mom that it looked like he was asking me to take him home. And then she reminded me about Rosy.  I guess I will just have to be happy to have chinchilla visitation rights.

Love always,

Bear

So romantic

Dear world,
It seems that my favorite park is also a fave of brides. I have seen so many brides and quite a few weddings there. It is always so romantic. It gets me to thinking what it must feel like to find true love. I should know by now since I have watched so many seasons of the Bachelor and Bachelorette with Mom.  Well, maybe someday I will meet my true love. In the meantime, I will just enjoy watching (but not crashing) the weddings at my park.

Love always,

Bear

That's my ball!

Dear world,
The other day at the beach, I was minding my own business and happily fetching my ball in the ocean. Then out of nowhere, this lab came racing past me and intercepted my ball! He must have been a tourist. Dog locals know beach etiquette.

Love always,

Bear

Wimbledon Ball

Dear world,
The other day I  got Royal Mail from my friend Wiggle all the way from England! I was SO excited when I opened the package and out rolled a tennis ball. Not just any ball, an authentic Wimbledon ball straight from Wimbledon Centre Court!! How awesome and so inspiring. Maybe I should try tennis again?

Thanks so much to Wiggle - he is the best!

Love always,

Bear

Three Amigos

Dear world,
The other day at the beach I met Koda and Lulu. We played for an hour and became best buds. So I thought since we were so near Mexico, we should call ourselves the Three Amigos. Lulu pointed out that she is an Amiga, not an Amigo. Ugh. Girls are so picky. I wonder what else I can call us ... Three Dog Day? Three Fetcheteers?  Snap, Crackle Pop? Do you have any ideas?

Love always,

Bear

Present shopping

Dear world,
For Sisters Day, we went shopping so I could get Rosy and Annie a present. Annie picked out a toy fox that made growling noises. Rosy immediately went to the bag aisle and selected a pink bag. I told her I cant afford to buy her a bag. I felt so bad. She said it was ok, she will just put it on her wish list. So she picked out a new purple toy that she can pull the stuffing out of.  She was very happy.

Love always,

Bear 

Sisters Day

Dear world,
Today is Sisters Day, so I want to focus on my sisters. Rosy, the toy poodle is my Princess sister, and as royalty, she likes to rule the house (or at least try). Princess Rosy insists that Annie is her dog, but I assure Annie that she is my forever sister. I think sometimes they team up on me. Rosy chases my ball and often gets it. Annie then takes it and puts it with the rest of her hoarding collection. But most of the time, they are both just adorable (I hear Mom say that a lot.) And while I miss my brothers Oliver and Fuzz, I really do love my little girls.

Happy Sisters Day!

Love always,

Bear

Scenic Nap

Dear world,
My favorite park is Seagrove Park in Del Mar which I go to almost everyday. Tourists and locals love to enjoy and take pictures of the beautiful view. So the other day, while Mom was trying to get the perfect angle to take the picture, I decided to lay down and roll. Mom freaked and yelled Stop! at which point I realized that I could have rolled off the cliff. So instead I took a nap.

Love always,

Bear

Beach lesson

Dear world, 
Yesterday at the beach, Annie finally decided to come into the ocean and play ball. I tried to give her tips and show her how to do things. But she said she could do it herself. So the next thing I knew, I looked over and a wave was coming. I barked "Annie, JUMP!" But of course she didn't listen. She just automatically learned to be (body) surfer Annie.

Love always,

Bear

The Caring Tree

Dear world,
At my favorite park, there was this very beautiful tree.  Kids were always playing on it. Then the other day a sign was on the tree. The tree asked for no climbing because it was fragile, tender and worn but it wanted to stay. I sat down and decided I will help protect it. But I had to leave to go home. The next day I came back, and it was no longer there. I was so sad. I guess it wasn't cared for back. But I cared. Thank you Caring Tree for as you say giving me your gift of strength and peace. I will always remember you.

Love always,

Bear

Bagpipe Appreciation

Dear world,
I just found out about Bagpipe Appreciation Day. I thought I should celebrate considering that Golden Retrievers have Scottish roots . Did you know that? In the 1700's in Scotland, dogs were needed that could retrieve from water and land so Golden Retrievers were born! I wish they taught them how to play bagpipes at that time, then I would have that in my DNA too. Uh, but then maybe I would have to wear a kilt, so never mind.

Love always,

Bear

Bearfish

Dear world,
Now that I am supposed to be having more greens in my diet, I have become totally obsessed with Seaweed snacks ! Annie thinks with my obsession with ocean swimming and now seaweed, maybe I becoming a Bearfish. Rosy said if that is the case, she would like me to introduce her to some tuna. 

Love always,

Bear

Just Because

Dear world,
The other day Mom decided to surprise us. We arrived at the park as usual. But instead of Mom and Dad sitting on the mat, Mom set up a picnic for me, Rosy and Annie! Freshly cooked turkey burgers just for us! We asked what the occasion was and she said "just because". Isn't that an awesome occasion?

Happy Just Because ! 

Love always,

Bear

Royal Baby Name

Dear world,
The Royal baby has arrived. How exciting! I am just so curious what his name will be. So I googled what people were guessing and these names are the favorites:.
James - means "supplanter". That makes sense if he replaces someone  - I guess maybe he will someday then become King James? And maybe he would be a real slick James like Bond.
George - means "farmer" . That's nice, he will be close with the land. Plus he could be handsome like Clooney or really big like Giant George (the world's largest dog).
Alexander - means "defender of people" - well that certainly makes sense for a Royal. So I guess he would need to aspire to be Alexander the Greater ?
Arthur is another name that is popular and that is my personal favorite. Do you know why? Cause it means Bear !!!  Wouldn't that be cool! Prince Arthur (Bear)  !

Congratulations to the Royal Parents and 

welcome His Royal Highness of Cambridge!

Love always,

Bear

Happy dog

Dear world,
I have a new routine now. Almost everyday we go to SeaGrove Park. When we get there, Mom throws the ball and I start to roll over it. I roll one way and see my wonderful ocean. I roll the other way and see the pretty sea grove trees and humans enjoying a beautiful day. At the same time I smell and get a massage by the deliciously green grass. And all the time I am thinking, I am a happy dog.

Love always,

Bear

Cookie Catch

Dear world,
The other day at the park I watched a Dad play catch with his daughter. So I asked Mom if we could play catch. She said sure. So she took out the bag with my chicken cookies, held one in her hand  and said "CATCH!" I love my Mom!

Love always,

Bear

Opening Day at Del Mar

Dear world,
It is finally Del Mar Racing season. Rosy is so excited. Opening day is the most fashionable event of the year, with thousands of ladies wearing their most beautiful hats. So she picked out a new dress for Annie and herself. And of course, accessorized with chic hats. Then she selected one of Dad's ties for me and said I should wear a hat as well. So here we are all ready for Opening Day. Only problem, as canines, we are not allowed into the Racetrack.

Love always,

Bear

Please throw my ball!

Dear world,
As you know, I love fetching my ball while swimming in the ocean. I would go non-stop forever, but Mom makes me wait sometimes cause she thinks I need a rest. So first I wait patiently. Then I try giving her my sweet "can you really resist me?" Bear face. And if that doesn't work I just have to start barking MOM! PLEASE THROW MY BALL! But she still makes me wait!

Love always,

Bear

Growing Poodle

Dear world,
The other day this couple knowledable about poodles (I guess they went to Poodle School), told Dad that Rosy is a minature poodle, not a toy poodle. So that got Rosy freaked out cause she says she definitely was a toy poodle so she must have grown. Then she met a Standard Poodle at the beach and she told him that she is growing so she will be a Standard Poodle one day too.

Love always,

Bear

A Favorite Pastime

Dear world,
One of my fave things to do (besides playing ball) is hanging outside with my Mom watching the world go by. Of course I have to pose and stay still for pictures because she says she can never resist. But sometimes if I'm tired, I get to take a nap. Then she is the one that has to sit still and be my pillow.

Love always,

Bear

Swim with me

Dear world,
The other day a pretty Bernese Mountain dog came over and asked if she could swim with me. I said of course! While we were swimming she told me that she is a Mommy of a 5 month old and was wondering if I would be interested in being a stepdad.  I told her I was flattered but could not take on that kind of responsibility right now. So she walked away and back to her puppy. Gosh, I don't understand. Why couldnt we just swim together?

Love always,

Bear

Sand Face

Dear world,

The other day at the beach I was having the best time swimming. But after close to an hour, Mom said it was time to go home. Leaving was the last thing I wanted to do. So I rolled my face in the sand. She said, "oh Bear, now you need to go back in the ocean and get that sand off!"  Mission accomplished. Pretty clever, huh?

Love always,

Bear

At the Museum

Dear world,
I really love the picture that I got Mom- A Golden Retriever at the Museum. Mom knew how much I love it so she got me and Dad the matching t-shirts! Now I would really like to go see that painting in the Museum. I need to contact Lucas and ask him what museum it is hanging in.

Love always,

Bear

P.S. You can get a t-shirt too. The sales benefit the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center. Here is the link: http://animalrescue.org/a-retriever-in-museum-tshirt

Independence Day !

Dear world,
So July 4th is another one of those dress up days. Rosy and Annie are dressed in fun neck and head adornments and of course they look adorable as always. But instead of wearing something silly like I usually do, I decided to go with suave, more mature attire.  I feel much more independent in this look, which is appropriate for this holiday.

Happy Independence Day! 

Love always,

Bear

Grazing Partner

Dear world,
Whenever we go to the park I like to eat the grass. Mom always tells me not to, but it is so tempting. So the other day Mom brought me a toy cow. She said it reminded her of me since cows eat grass. I decided to bring my new cow to the park with me so I have a grazing partner. Now Rosy started eating grass in hopes that she gets a cow too (she is hoping for a pink one.)

Love always,

Bear

Must do Coronado

Dear world,
I love Coronado Island. There is real famous hotel there - The Del (and no, there is no farmer that lives there, I asked.) Everyone loves the hotel and stays or at least visits when they come to Coronado. I think the Del is cool but my fave place on Coronado Island is Dog Beach. If I was your tour guide, that is what I would recommend as a must do.

Love always,

Bear

Party planning

Dear world,
Today is my Dad's birthday. He couldn't be at home, so we will be celebrating when he gets back. That gives me time to think of what we should do for his party. I figure we can go to my fave park (he likes it too.)  Rosy would make sure there are hats, balloons and cake. Mom would walk Annie to  pick up the food I order. You know what that is of course... PIZZA! Isnt that a great party plan?

Love always,

Bear

Wedding in the Park

Dear world,
The other day we went to my favorite park but something new was there- all these chairs, umbrellas and pretty flowers. Mom explained that there was going to be a wedding. Cool! Other than the Royal wedding on TV, I never saw a real wedding before. They chose a really pretty spot and it was a beautiful day. But I still would prefer the beach if I were to have a ball exchange ceremony.

Love always,

Bear

Pink Day

Dear world,

Yes, today is actually National Pink Day. Of course, Rosy wanted all of us to celebrate. First she dressed in her all her pink poodle glory. Then Annie got to take her cone off but Rosy replaced it with a hot pink boa. I was lucky this time. I got away with just a pink bandanna. 

Happy Pink Day!

Love always,

Bear

San Diego County Fair

Dear world,
I get to see the San Diego County Fair on my walk everyday. So the other day I decided to stop and watch it.  I was a bit disturbed by all the screaming. Mom explained that it was just people having fun on the rides. How can people consider something fun if it is so scary that it makes them scream? Sometimes I just don't understand the human species.

Love always,

Bear

A Package for Bear and the Girls !

Dear world,
The other day we got a package addressed to Bear and the Girls from our friends the Rainbow Cats - 8 kitties that live on Rainbow Ave! There were so many yum treats plus each of us got our own special present. The girls all got a beautiful scarf with matching bows picked perfectly for them. Rosy (they call her Rosebud) also got a special hat which she is beyond excited about. I got a really cool blue whale. I was so happy they spared me another dress-up.

Love always,

Bear