Chuck went to the store to get a space heater, and the dog’s information was posted on social media. Friends that lived in the area where the dog was found were asked to keep an eye out for any lost dog signs, but no one came forward. He didn’t have a microchip, nor a collar, and was not neutered. After looking for the owners for a few weeks, the decision to move forward with his vetting and neuter were made. He was good with other dogs, so he moved into the den and left the garage behind.

Bear was a fence jumper. He liked to be left outside, just sitting on the rocks overlooking the backyard and keeping watch. However, if there was something interesting on the other side of the fence, like a squirrel, over he’d go. Kris always said she thought all dogs would rather be inside where it’s cool if given the chance, especially in the Houston heat. Not Bear. It was difficult managing his desire to be outside and keeping him from jumping just because he could. He was walked three or more times a day, which included running alongside a foot propelled scooter first, then an electric scooter that Kris purchased to give him the exercise he needed as such a young, energetic dog. However, Bear was also as stubborn as they come! If he wanted to lounge in a puddle in the ditch along the walk/run time, he’d stop and belly crawl, pulling Kris down into the ditch. If he just wanted to stop to sniff the air, he did, and would not move forward. On more than one occasion, Chuck had to be called to encourage him to get up and go inside after his walk!! On a very cold day a year or so after the Barbers took him in, Bear did one of his “stops” in the tall grass along the road and flopped over like he was dead and had no intention of moving until he was ready. A car stopped and asked if something had happened to him…of course he got a good laugh when Bear popped up to see what was going on, and Kris was left telling the thoughtful driver that Bear was all about the drama! The man got a good laugh, and Kris proceeded to try to coax Bear into finishing their walk! That is Bear’s personality in a nutshell – stubborn with a flair for the drama!

In 2013, the Barbers still had kids in high school, were busy with sports, kids’ activities, and managing 11 dogs, including Bear. Bear changed things for Chuck. This was really his and Hailey’s first rescue that Kris wasn’t involved in. Bear adores Chuck and no matter how much time Kris spent with Bear, he was really only interested in Chuck. This big, stubborn, fluffy dog turned Chuck into a dog-dad, not just the dad that tolerated all of the dogs that Kris and Hailey brought home. The Barbers were finally in alignment about starting a sanctuary someday, once the kids were grown and on their own.

Currently, in 2025, Bear is about 15 years old and still loves to sit on the rocks overlooking the pool, sniffing the air and watching the squirrels. His days of jumping the fence are over, but he still alerts the Barbers that someone is walking by the front of the house.

Unfortunately, Bear recently suffered a medical setback called Vestibular Disease in October of 2025, commonly referred to “old dog’s disease.” It’s heartbreaking seeing an older dog with his head tipped, eyes moving rapidly (nystagmus), unable to stand on his own, or walk without some assistance. It took the full ten days to get him to eat again on his own without syringe feeding and walking without a towel wrapped around him to help guide him to walk outside. He was not a fan of the help! After about three weeks, his appetite returned slowly but his head tilt is still noticeable and if he tries to shake off, he is likely to fall over. Being as old as he is, it’s a daily struggle to move him into his contained space so Stitch can go out. The Barber’s house runs like a puzzle. The dogs that are good with each other, but from behind a gate have to move to their space for another dog to pass through. It’s hard to tell, but it appears that Bear’s vision was impacted by the event – or it could be just the imbalance causing him to bump into walls as he is walking. Regardless of it being vision or balance, he is still ready for his “cookies” in the morning and a chance to sit outside and enjoy the fall weather at any opportunity! Even though he hasn’t recovered fully, he is still his same aloof self, loving the outdoors, his cookies, his pack and enjoying lots of head scratches and belly rubs!

For as long as the Barbers are able to keep him healthy and happy, they will do whatever is needed to see to it that he lives a happy life as the oldest of the bunch!