BEAR, The Friendly Stray – A Success Story!

By Susan Brown & Kathy Sumpter

So you’re at your weekend get-a-way, kickin’ back, doing a little fishing and just enjoying nature. Here comes a dog; must belong to someone, he’s so cute. But, oh, look at his side, his fur is missing and the area’s covered with open sores, how could someone let it get so bad?! Where’s his family? Certainly, he has a family to care for... What would you do? Do you say “Awwww, that’s so sad, poor dog” and look away. Or do you help the dog? Here’s what a couple from the big city did to make a difference...

... Meet Bear... the friendly stray. He wandered up to a camper on the Tennessee River, one of the thousands dumped in rural counties when the "owners" get tired of them. Sometimes because they outgrew the cute puppy stage, had an illness or injury that was too much trouble or expense to treat, or the people moved away and just left their loyal pets to fend for themselves.

Terry and Mary Scott, a wonderful couple from Memphis, who were camping over 100 miles from home couldn't just leave this dog on his own. They called a local veterinary clinic to learn what could be done. Next they called an animal welfare advocate in the area for help.

To see that Bear, the stray dog, didn’t continue to suffer, the couple agreed to pay the vet bill to treat the mange and check for other health issues. Bear was also to be neutered and receive all vaccinations. Terry and Mary even made a donation of a 10 x 10 kennel to a local rescue group, Tennessee River Rescues, for Bear to be cared for and boarded for awhile in order to give enough time to clear up the mange before they take Bear home to become a regular part of their family.

Bear became healthy in foster care and now lives in his new home. He is very happy with his new family which includes Terry, Mary and their other dog, Bandit.

Personal Note from Susan Brown: I can't stress enough the importance of spay/neuter to prevent pet overpopulation. Please take this responsibility of pet guardianship seriously and have your pets fixed before they ever reach breeding age. Many serious diseases and behavioral issues will not occur if pediatric spay/neuter is done.

Pictured above: Bear with Bandit and Terry – Happily Ever After