Elliot Bear came to Doodle Dandy Rescue end of June 2024 through our rehome application. His family had adopted him when he was one year old from another family. Bear’s first mom had bought him to them help cope with the tragic loss of her husband; Bear was very successful in his life’s purpose of helping the family overcome grief and bringing laughter to the house once again. However, baby Bear spent his first year crated most of the time since the family didn’t want an “inside dog”. Thankfully, his second family was able to rescue him to a normal life inside a home.

When Doodle Dandy Rescue received Bear’s application from his second family, Bear had executed his new purpose flawlessly by being their loving pack member for 10 years. However, his family was traveling a lot at that time, which left Bear home alone since his beloved canine sister and loyal companion had passed away a few months before. His family felt that he really needed a home where he received more care and attention. Bear had always been an escape artist; after his canine sister’s death, his fear of thunderstorms had becoming uncontrollable to his family.

At 11 years of age, this sweet Goldendoodle was the oldest pup whom DDR had taken in. Though he whined on the ride to his foster mom’s place, just seeing his foster mom’s dog perked him up. His foster mom quickly learned that he was the sweetest boy who could not get enough of being petted. He had not met a stranger – four-legged or two-legged, big or small!

Bear just needed a little bit of training and socialization to become the bestest pup. Boy, who said you couldn’t teach an old dog new tricks? Not Bear, for sure!! He was the fastest learner; he learned not to bark at other dogs during walks by the end of his first neighborhood walk. The very next day, he was walking in the neighborhood park full of geese and ducks, quickly learning not to bark at them or to chase them. He would go on car rides with his foster mom and her dog every day to get comfortable with car rides and for socialization in public/busy places. He started learning to overcome his nervousness around lakes and even enjoyed boat rides. In the short four weeks it took to medically and behaviorally clear him for adoption, his profile shined through with so many awesome qualities. Bear had even started learning to walk off-leash by that time. He would brave the worst thunderstorms, tucked in his human’s legs (no peeing, barking nor tantrums!). However, you ask, “Did Bear find his purpose with his foster family?” Hold that thought! – let’s travel with Bear now, but, we will come right back to it.

Within 2 days of the sweet senior Bear being posted for adoption, he received multiple applications. Doodle Dandy Rescue found the best home for Bear, where he had not only very loving parents, but also a toddler brother who adored him and a canine brother Duke who was Bear’s mini-me. Within a week of Bear getting adopted, he had become the most popular dog in the neighborhood with kids wanting to pet him every day. The second week, Bear took a trip to the beach where he played in the sea to his heart’s content. His family felt like he naturally belonged in their family – No introductions were even needed with anyone in his family!! Bear plays with his canine brother Duke every day, loves to go on car rides with his parents, relishes cuddling with his toddler human brother and enjoys people-watching from his balcony. Bear’s family is most grateful that bringing Bear into their lives has brought back Duke’s lost energy, playfulness and good old cheer. Duke had been feeling lonely and lethargic after the arrival of his human brother, however much ove and care his parents gave him. It was then that big brother Bear arrived as the perfect companion for Duke to play with, run around and chase bunnies together. Bear was just the happiness-boost that Duke had needed.

Now, back to the question “Did Bear find his purpose with his foster family?” Bear’s foster family had been dealing with the trauma of losing their younger furkid to cancer a few months ago and had decided not to adopt another pup again. Opening their home to foster Bear helped them find joy again and made them realize that they needed another dog in their lives. Bear had been so good for their pup that even her vets “prescribed” adopting another dog. Within a week of Bear being adopted, his foster family rescued an adult Goldendoodle.

The lovadoodle Bear has been recuing people and pups, and he doesn’t even know it! Bear fulfilled his life’s purpose each leg of the journey. As for us, it gives Doodle Dandy Rescue immense gratification that we could help Bear fulfill his life’s purpose and most importantly, find the bestest family for this bestest pup. DDR works hard to save doodles so the doodles can save the humans. Seniors like Bear do deserve forever homes filled with love and happiness, and we are thankful that we could make it happen.