Little Bear ♡

Little Bear’s Story ♡

Little Bear was gravely ill when he came into my care. He had severe kennel cough and respiratory illness, along with painful, extensive infections in his feet. He struggled to stand and walk, and even lifting his head was difficult.

According to what shelter staff told me, he was at risk of medical euthanasia because his infected feet would make him difficult to adopt. I had arranged veterinary appointments, but several were canceled by the shelter. In my experience, requests for medication and further treatment were denied. Eventually, I was told I could assume complete medical, financial, and daily responsibility for Little Bear or return him, where he would be euthanized.

I chose Little Bear—and took full responsibility for his care. A later medical crisis following a boarding stay required emergency hospitalization, abdominal surgery, and treatment for pneumonia, gastrointestinal infections, anemia, and additional complications. With intensive care, he began recovering and regained strength.

Little Bear remains one of the sweetest, most affectionate dogs I have known. His heartworm treatment is an important next step, guided by his veterinarians as his recovery allows. He will be available for adoption when medically cleared.

His experience helped inspire Nicole’s Fosters & Rescues. I wanted to build a rescue that could stand behind senior dogs and animals with complicated medical needs when their care became difficult, costly, or uncertain.