Meet Bear, a large mixed breed pup that has a pep in his step, and a curiosity for the world around him. This sweet boy is diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects balance, coordination, and in Bear's case, vision. CH does not cause Bear pain or discomfort, nor does it progress over time. In fact, it often becomes more manageable as dogs learn to take in and interact with the world around them. All in all, this just means that he needs a little extra patience, guidance, and consistency.
HISTORY
Bear is a young pup who is believed to have been dumped around the age of only 8 weeks old, as no owners came forward about him when we searched. His estimated date of birth is April 1, 2025. Bear's vision issues were noted almost immediately, when his finder first started caring for him. At 4.5 months of age, he saw the vet for some neurological concerns, and was diagnosed with CH, as mentioned above.
Bear is located in Richland, in Eastern Washington. We share information about our dogs in postings based in other cities to improve their chances of finding a great forever home. he is well worth a road trip, and we encourage you to come and meet him before you decide he should join your family! But, if necessary, HART will transport a puppy to an approved adopter in the Pacific Northwest.
SOCIALIZATION, TEMPERAMENT AND TRAINING
Bear has been in 3 different foster homes in our care, while we have gotten to know him and understand his needs better. His first two placements were overwhelming to him with toddlers in the home, and the amount of noise. Due to his vision impairment, he tends to be triggered by lighting changes and can mostly see shadows/outlines of things. He chases visual triggers, such as cars and squirrels outdoors. It is important to note that he has a VOICE! He is not a good candidate for apartments, condos, or other similarly close quarter living situations.
In his present foster home, he is doing much better in learning how to interact with other animals as the household pets tolerate interactions. He does great during their training sessions with him, and seems to be treat motivated. His current foster home has mostly worked on desensitizing him to their home and the members in it, and getting to know him and earn his trust.
Bear is young enough to learn to live well with another friendly, tolerant older dog, but is not suitable for a home with small animals, cats or young children. All he asks is that you are consistent, patient, and positive in the process of helping him learn about the world around him.
He is working on basic commands & how to be confident in his every day life. Bear would love for you to take him to school so he can learn ALL the skills he needs to be his best self. He is comfortable in a crate, and potty trained.
It's important to remember: Bear is a puppy, and PUPPIES ARE HARD WORK! This little guy is just getting started in understanding the world around him. He still has everything to learn about being a civilized member of a mainly-human family. Please don't apply to adopt Bear unless you're sure you have the time, energy and desire to raise him right!
HEALTH STATUS
General info
Bear is up to date on vaccines, microchipped, neutered, and dewormed. He appears to be in good health. Once full grown, he will likely be somewhere in the 70 lbs range. As stated previously, Bear is diagnosed with a neurological condition and lives with a vision impairment. He can and will live a happy and normal life with your help.
ADOPTION
The adoption fee for Bear is $425. For more pictures of Bear, see him Facebook album at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1052851403662615&type=3
To apply to adopt Bear, please complete our online adoption application at https://new.helterluv.com/matchme/adopt/HAWA/Dog, or email HearthfireART@gmail.com and request an adoption application form.
HART dogs live in foster homes, not in a kennel facility. To respect our fosters' privacy, we make our dogs available to meet adopters only after an adoption has been approved.
