BEAR'S PICS

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Suitable for which type of housing?
House or townhome, somewhere well sound proof - occasional barking if he can spot triggers from outdoors. A quieter neighborhood (as he can become reactive with bikes and dogs) with minimal stairs is preferred.

Is your dog good with other dogs?
Yes. Bear co-exists peacefully and respectfully with other dogs. He can get over-excited when meeting new dogs on walks and in need of an experienced and confident handler. He currently live with a small breed.

Is your dog good with cats?
Yes. Bear has lived with a cat and two guinea pigs. He is very gentle.

Is your dog good with kids?
Yes, with older kids. Sudden or loud noises can startle him. Would say 12+.

Is your dog house trained?
Yes.

Is your dog crate trained?
No (due to his size), but he sleeps comfortably in a gated kitchen. He settles well at bedtime but prefers to be near his people during the day.

Does your dog have any special needs?
Bear is looking for a home with minimal stairs, in a quieter neighborhood, and with someone home most of the day. Due to his breed and past lack of socialization, Bear needs a strong, confident, and experienced handler—not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Other notes:
Bear is a guardian breed who likely did not receive proper socialization in his previous home. He is not suitable for first-time dog owners. He pulls hard on leash and can be barky when traveling in vehicles. Bear needs a confident, experienced handler to continue gently reintroducing him to the world and helping him thrive.

Medical:
Bear came into care severely malnourished and is still gaining weight. He is Lyme-positive and has completed a treatment cycle. He currently shows no symptoms and may remain symptom-free for life. If symptoms recur, treatment (doxycycline) costs approximately $154.
X-rays and a specialist consult have confirmed he does not have hip issues and does not require surgery.
Bear is simply an older gentleman looking for a peaceful place to rest his head. The rescue’s vetting team is available to discuss his medical background with potential adopters.

Does your dog have any or display any aggression?
No. Bear does not resource guard and is very gentle at heart. He can bark or pull when excited by new dogs, bikes or people. Bear needs a strong, confident, and experienced handler that are willing to work on redirection and showing him that he does not need to be in control and reactive negatively to triggers—not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Is your dog playful?
Bear has a low energy level but will do a happy dance when it’s time for his walk!

Does your dog like to snuggle?
Absolutely. He adores snuggling and wants nothing more than to be close to his people.

Does your dog know basic commands?
Yes – Sit, Down, and name recognition. He listens well.

Does your dog know any special tricks?
N/A

Does your dog like to go on walks?
Yes. Bear enjoys short strolls and relaxing in nature. He’s working on his leash manners, but he is a strong puller when over-excited. Bear needs a strong, confident, and experienced handler that are willing to work on redirection and showing him that he does not need to be in control and reactive negatively to triggers—not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Does your dog have any fears?
He can react to bicycles, strollers, and other fast-moving stimuli. Bear needs a strong, confident, and experienced handler that are willing to work on redirection and showing him that he does not need to be in control and reactive negatively to triggers—not suitable for first-time dog owners.

Does your dog have any unique traits that you have noticed whether in personality or physically?
Bear’s signature move is his “happy dance”—he wiggles and does tippy taps with his front feet when excited. He loves to cuddle and will squeeze himself onto the couch to be close to you.
His back legs are a bit weak, so he prefers a calm lifestyle. He is currently underweight but improving with proper nutrition. His favorite treats are cheese and milk bones.

What are the three first words that come to mind when you think of your dog?
Affectionate, gentle, charming

Bear is a 9-year-old Saint Bernard with a heart as big as his paws. This sweet, low-energy boy is looking for a peaceful retirement home where he can enjoy the love, comfort, and cuddles he’s always deserved. Despite a rough start in life, Bear has embraced his second chance with grace and resilience—he still has a pep in his step and a whole lot of love to give.

Bear is affectionate, easygoing, and quickly settles into the rhythm of home life. He’s the kind of dog who quietly becomes part of your routine, like he’s always been there. Whether it's a cozy nap beside you or a slow stroll through the yard, he’s just happy to be near his people.

While Bear gets along well with other animals and does great with older kids, he’s a guardian breed who likely missed out on early socialization. Because of this, he can become over-excited or reactive around unfamiliar dogs, bicycles, or fast-moving things—especially when outdoors or watching from a window. Bear needs a confident, experienced handler who can offer calm, consistent guidance. When he feels secure, his reactivity can be managed with redirection and positive reinforcement.

Medical Notes:

• Bear arrived in rescue severely malnourished and is still gaining healthy weight.
• He is Lyme-positive but has completed treatment and currently shows no symptoms. He may remain symptom-free for life, but if symptoms return, treatment (doxycycline) is approximately $154.
• X-rays and a specialist consult confirmed he does not have hip issues and does not require surgery.

Our vetting team is happy to discuss his medical history with interested adopters.

What Bear Needs:

Bear is looking for a quiet, loving home with minimal stairs and a steady, gentle routine. He’ll thrive with someone who understands large-breed dogs and can offer the calm leadership he responds so well to. More than anything, Bear just wants a safe spot to rest his big head and enjoy the companionship, safety, and cheese he’s missed out on.

He’s come a long way. Now, he’s ready to spend his golden years by your side—adored, relaxed, and finally home.