Bear was donated to the Rescue by an owner surrender in the community. This sweet snuggle-bug is gearing up for a life of service, and he could not be happier about it! Nor could we. Who could resist that face?! He is exactly as spoiled-yet-disciplined as he deserves!

Bear is half-black bear, half-polar bear, half Pooh bear, and whole Gummy bear. Just wait until you see the white “T” on his chest! Bear is the calmest, most patient baby in the bunch. He’s a sensitive boy who lives to please.

Bear had to lay low for a while to recover from heart-worms. And now that he’s the picture of health, the bestest boy… and a Service Dog!

That’s right, Bear has found his match in his Veteran, Matthew! Matthew is a very dedicated Veteran who would receive the award for “most conscientious.” He is consistently updating Team Rescue on all the new tasks and accomplishments he and Bear have achieved together, as well as focusing on keeping up with their skills.

Matthew is an Army Veteran who deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. He now spends his time wood-turning in his garage, making pens and ornaments. He is also a photographer and a lover of computer-generated art. And Bear is there for it all!

Matthew’s wife, son, and daughter love this gummy-Bear so much, and he is thriving with his fur-ever family!

“Bear came to me in a time in a life where I wasn’t dealing with my PTSD really well, and my anxiety was keeping me from functioning with other people in a meaningful and positive way. I was always anxious and uneasy around everyone. I was unable to overcome it no matter how much therapy I did. When Bear came into my life, I found the strength to go out into public and make meaningful and positive interactions with people in the community around me. I felt human again.”

Bear and Matthew are available to sponsor! If you would like to be a part of Team Rescue – and Bear and Matthew’s family – check out our Sponsor a Team page to learn more!