lil bear

Meet Lil Bear! This small black bear is looking for a cave of his own. But he's not the forest kind of bear - he's the couch kind.

Little Bear is a compact, 30-pound, miniature apex predator {of love} currently disguised as a dog. He truly looks like a baby black bear, or a petite Appalachian legend with a sad story. Lil Bear was found alone in his home after his person walked out one day and simply never came back. His condition when he was discovered was appalling. BUT he survived and made his way to us.

When he met the crew {many dogs}, he assessed the situation thoughtfully and decided the only thing that truly matters is belonging to someone who will never disappear on him again.

Lil Bear is amenable to everything ~ handling, pets, snuggles, baths. He will happily climb into your lap. {Lap capacity is merely a suggestion.} He sleeps in the hooman bed, eats like a champ, rides well in the car, and walks on leash. He is a perfect gentleman bear.

When he’s not perfecting advanced cuddle techniques, he enjoys:
- Zooming around the yard (he would love one of his own
- Enthusiastically chasing a ball (also around the yard)
- Assisting foster dad with reading the newspaper (supervisory role)
- Barking at squirrels to maintain woodland dominance
- Monitoring the perimeter for suspicious activity (window security division)

Lil Bear LOVES being outside. He's the dog who would like to go back out immediately after coming in, just to check that nothing's changed. He’s great with kids, especially if they understand that fetch is a sacred ritual. He also loves going for walks and meeting new people. He's great with kids - especially if they'll play fetch with him!

Lil Bear is housetrained although he doesn't always know how to tell you when it's time. He always does his #2 outside, and is happy to pee outside when he can access the yard at will. If he doesn't have frequent outdoor access he'll use his indoor potty pads. He's also happy to rock a diaper and never has accidents at night. He sleeps through the night in bed with his foster mom, eats like a champ, and is a perfect gentleman at bath time. He's also an avid TV watcher and comes closer to get a better look any time a dog is on screen!

Lil Bear is very communicative when it comes to other things though: he'll bark to tell you he wants your attention and love, and we can't blame him for that after the loneliness of what he's been through. He also barks outside to let the squirrels know who's in charge, and keeps an eye on potential intruders through the window so he can sound the alarm. He adores toys and has a full-on celebration anytime he gets a new one.

Lil Bear would do best in a home where someone is around most of the time. When his humans leave, he searches for them and then settles in front of the door to wait. He insists he is devoted, not dramatic. He would also thrive with easy access to a fenced-in yard, and kids and/or other dogs to play with.

Looking for your own small black bear who just wants to know what it's like to finally be safe and loved forever? Apply to meet him today. He's been waiting for you!

Lil Bear is approximately 8 years old and 30 lbs of loyalty, resilience, and surprisingly soft fur.

Fostered in Manassas, VA
Please apply at MirisHaven.org