For those of you who have not already seen him on my instagram, meet my Keeshond Bear. Many of my friends know me as the crazy dog lady. Well it is 100% true! I love my dog so much that I even made him his own Instagram: not_ur_average_bear. What I am going to write here, I have probably gone over in my head 100 times in the years and will be said 100 times more.
Once Bear turned 8 years old, I spent each of his birthday’s dreading the fact that he was getting older. I am not going to lie, every year on his birthday, I cry. Well I cry most of the time when I speak about him getting older. Bear has been with me through thick and thin, through heartbreaks and pure joyous moments.
As much as we love our fur babies, we often, as pet owners, take for granted that our pet is greeting us at the door when we return home. Many times, I realize now how lucky I am that he has lived such a long life that I sometimes I stop what I am doing to look him in those big brown eyes and tell him how much I love him and he’s silently changed my life.
About two years ago was the first time Bear needed help getting on and off the bed. I sat on the floor crying assuming the absolute worst. But it turns out that whenever I give him a little encouragement and would cheer him on, he would jump up on the bed just fine. It’s the jumping off part that scares me the most. I now call me lifting him on and off the bed his personal elevator.
In the past year with Bear getting older, I have rushed to the vet fearful of the worst things possible. After all he did just turn 13. I’ve been lucky so far that it hasn’t been anything major.
It’s true that having a older dog isn’t as easy as things used to be. He barks for help getting up off the floor or off the bed sometimes. Even when I am in the other room and he’s lonely, he will give a little bark. He currently has bronchitis, which I didn’t even know dogs could have. I fell like this post has been a long time coming, but I truly dread speaking about it since it always brings me to tears.
Dear Bear,
It is crazy how a totally different animal can love me as much as you do. Since you can’t understand me except for the tones in my voice, you will never get to hear how much I truly love you. You will never hear how much I brag about how awesome my little fur baby is. While I am out, I always pull out my phone and start saying “Have you seen my dog Bear? This is his instagram. Isn’t he the cutest dog you have ever seen? Let me show you 100 pictures of him”
Thank you for always loving me. Thank you for forgiving me when I leave you at home and go on vacation for two weeks. Thanks for forgiving me when I get mad and yell at you. You know I never really mean it. You’re the best for never leaving my side whenever I need you.
I’m also sorry for all the times I decided to go out instead of spending the night in with you. I’m sorry that sometimes I just push you to the side instead of giving you belly rubs and kisses. I am sorry if you are lonely at home if I leave you for the day.
Most of all, I want to thank you for being my best friend. I have never met someone else that would give their life for me unconditionally. I have never met anyone who cares for someone as much as you care for me. You truly mean the world to me, and I don’t thank you enough for all that you truly do. You have forever changed my life.
Love,
Your Best Friend
P.S. I will give you endless amounts of hugs and treats tonight.
Comments
I hope Bear gets better soon. I’ve been following his IG for about a year now, and I love seeing his/your posts. I have a spitz mix named Edgar who I think I love as much as you love your Bear. The reason I followed him is because he reminds me so much of Edgar. I received him when I was 19, and I think that was the first time I gave and received unconditional love. It’s amazing what a pet can do to your heart.
I hope Bear recovers soon and can see more smiles from both of you.
Love,
Kara, Edgar, Finny, and Katie
Awe it’s such a sweet post! Never knew you had feelings… 😉
XO,
Anna
Only those who have a dog can truly understand your feelings. They love us unconditionally. Give him love and spoil him. Loved to read this 🐾❤️
Awww, what an emotional post. It makes me think of Steven and how he’s getting older now. Just dealing with all of his health stuff in the past made me realize how devastated I will be when he’s gone. 🙁 he’s my child and will always be my first true love!
This makes me so sad to read but happy at the same time that you give him the love he deserves <3
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Honestly teared up reading this! Your dog is so beautiful, and it hurts watching our pets get older. My dog is also starting to feel her age, and I hope that she isn’t feeling any pain. What does give me peace is knowing that her whole life she’ll be spending with me so her whole life she’ll be loved 🙂
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This is so sweet Sarah!! I feel the same way about Izzie. It is so hard when they get older and things they used to do with ease aren’t so easy. He is truly lucky to have you as his fur mom❤️❤️ Just keep on loving him!!!
This is truly the absolute sweetest. It’s crazy how much love we feel for these sweet, sweet friends of ours. I haven’t had a pup since I was a wee little one, but my last kitty, Isabelle, I had for 21 years!!! She was so special that it’s impossible to put into words. We have a new kitty now, he just turned 2 yesterday and I swear he was sent straight to us from Isabelle herself!
Snuggle that baby Bear as much as you can, he’s a beauty!!! All the best, Brenda (one half of Femme Boutique Boston)
OMG I cried, okay still crying. I love dogs so much and this post made me miss my gods, my boys Remi and Riley.
❤