Bear

Bear is a 'wooly' Malamute mix who was dumped in the 'night drop' at the Pinole Shelter. He was rescued the day he was to be put down be a woman who worked at the shelter and realized what a great dog he was. He's small (40-50 lb. range) and seems to be under 2, although he may, in fact, still be a puppy.


At his first foster home, he lived with three small dogs with whom he got along well. At his current foster home, he lives with a bossy female Husky/GSD and a laid back male Husky. He gets along well with both and can be found running back and forth across the yard with them in chase. He's calm for his age, friendly and playful, but not needy. He shows no food aggression and calmly sits back until it is his turn for a doggy treat. He apparently had some training, but that training may have been more harsh then necessary, because he's very timid about new things. Once he understands what's expected of him and is comfortable in his new surroundings, his personality shines through. We think he was an outdoor dog before coming into rescue, but he seems to like being inside and is a total gentleman while there. He loves riding in his foster mom's truck and calmly sleeps with his head in her lap during the drive. He is housetrained (no accidents or 'marking' his territory), was fine being left in the house for a few hours with his other two companions and his other foster mom says he showed no interest in their cat.


Bear is quick to understand the rules of the house. He loves to play with stuffed animals and can be found going through the many doggy toys available to him. He has learned, however, that his foster mom's stuffed animals are NOT for play and stays clear of them. He likes to bark while in play and at things going on on the other side of his fence. While the barking during play is fine, the other is not and he is learning the difference between the two. Bear is also timid when entering a room with hardwood floors. His homework until adopted is to learn that these strange floors that he slips on are nothing to be afraid of. He's already making progress and will walk across a small patch to get to another carpeted room.


Bear's perfect family will include kids to play with, another dog to serve as a role model and patience from his parents as he becomes comfortable with his new surroundings.