When Bear, a giant St. Bernard mix from Colorado, escaped his sitter, his family was shocked. Brandy Ross, his owner, found it hard to part with her beloved dog, but when he actually went missing, her heart shattered. They searched everywhere, yet Bear was nowhere to be found. Months turned into years, and this sweet family dog became a distant memory.
They Never Found Him After He Went Missing
Never in their wildest dreams could the Ross family imagine that Bear would someday find his way home. This was particularly heartbreaking because they had to move to New York due to military duties, putting more distance between them and a potential reunion. “Bear got loose from a pet sitter in April. His family reported him missing and posted in Facebook groups, but they never found him. The saddest part is that they had to leave Colorado Springs without their beloved Bear as the military moved them to New York,” HSPPR shared on Facebook.
For two years, the family received no news about their dog until one day, their phone rang! Animal control, in cooperation with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, spotted the giant canine near a construction site, marking the start of a long-awaited reunion!
Is That Bear?
Though they weren’t entirely sure if the spotted dog was Bear, there was good reason to believe so! He looked just like the missing dog but slightly lighter. However, capturing Bear turned out to be quite a challenge. This Colorado boi roamed from place to place, reluctant to stay still. Volunteers with HSPPR set up feeding stations and trail cameras to monitor his movements.
Then one day, a miracle happened! Bear walked into a “messy trap,” triggering the closure of the doors. Danielle Neiner, the volunteer who rescued him, soon confirmed his identity—it was indeed Bear!
The dedicated team of rescuers shared the joyful news with Bear’s family, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the loving canine. Before heading back home, he received veterinary care and a much-needed grooming session.
“He’s going home, and these volunteers are taking care of everything! They already took him to get a much-needed groom,” the Humane Society noted.
Heartwarming Reunion
Overwhelmed with joy, the Ross family couldn’t believe that Bear was finally coming home after more than two years of living outside. Remarkably, he was perfectly healthy, suffering only minor weight loss.
“I was literally bawling my eyes out and even now I’m in shock that this is him. It’s so crazy that he survived for two years in the Colorado weather,” Ross shared with WKBT News.
Bear stepped into his New York home, all thanks to his rescuers! It was a truly heartwarming reunion with his momma—one that left thousands of people in tears. “I’m home mom! I’m so excited,” said Bear in a video posted on Instagram.
Despite being confused at first, Bear quickly recognized his long-lost parents, and he is now on the path to fully adjusting to his old life. Thanks to Danielle and the entire team, Bear received a second chance at life, and stories like his truly restore our faith in humanity!
