Bear, (because he looked like a polar bear), was a beautiful Maltese that the breeder could not sell due to a heart condition. My wife and I fell in love with him from the first moment we saw him in 1994 and took him home immediately. He was the first and only puppy we looked at during our short search. We knew he would have medical problems but resolved to give him the best life we could. Upon reflection, we believe that God placed Bear with us because we needed him as much as he needed a great mom and dad to care for him. He was a pure white fluffy ball of cotton with soft dark eyes that often spoke to you. He was quiet mostly and often told you what he wanted with a certain look. He only wiggled his tail when he was very excited and had the most incredible personality. He followed me everywhere and let me know he was there with a kiss on the back of the leg. His favorite place in the whole world was in my left arm with his chin on my shoulder. He could have stayed there forever. Since we can't have children, we regarded Bear as our son. Bear taught us so much; We learned about unconditional love. We learned patience on a level never experienced before. We learned sacrifice. We learned, dedication. We learned so much from Bear and are so grateful he was part of our lives for all these years. In life, Bear brought my wife and I together. In his death, he brought me closer to my wife than I ever though I could be. Thank you buddy.

As Bear's mom and dad, it was our responsibility to determine when he was suffering. It was our responsibility to take his burden rather than allow him to go on through the use of drugs that would prolong his life but increase his suffering. So, On October the 26th, 2006 at 10:30 am, after much deliberation and many tears, we took Bear to the vet's to put him to sleep. He died in his favorite place, in my arms, with is mom hugging and kissing him. My wife says, "if this has to be done, what better place for Bear to be when he died?" It was the most painful experience of our lives next to watching my father die in much the same way. But we knew that we had to end his anguish and take his burden in the form of the enormous loss we felt when we lost him. The pain is great and lasting but it is ours now and our little Bear is finally free of the pain. I see his face everywhere I look and think of him from moment to moment. We know we did what was best for Bear and agree that a large part of him would have wanted to stop the suffering as well. The pain comes from missing him and the undying love he gave us. We often cry and talk about Bear and the incredible influence he had on us.

We love you and miss you Bear and know our little family will be together again someday. Sweet dreams buddy.