As the summer of 2006 was in full blown Utah heat, we lost Bear; a fluffy retriever/chow mix, a one-of-a-kind, our friend. He was a human trapped in a dog's body, I swear! He was smart, lovable, cute, very hairy, egotistical and extremely opinionated. He had swam in three different oceans and had climbed a few of the highest peaks in the U.S. This dog has visited more states as an average vacationer and was never shy of hunting down the neighborhood's squirrels. He had many names: Bear-Dog, Puhh pants, scooby-do. What can I say, we loved him and when he had to leave us after thirteen years, the world stopped spinning.
I remember it vividly. It was a Tuesday and we buried him on our farm in a hand made, beautiful pine box, facing east – toward the mountains. The pasture he'd been laid to rest is called 'Bear's pasture' and there will be a willow tree planted by this fall.

But life continues and two days later we found ourselves on the Rodeo ground just a few miles from where we live. My husband Troy had a performance that night, bless his heart he had to be funny, but we had good friends all around us supporting us in coping with losing Bear.

The night went on and we noticed a little Heeler puppy showing up, friendly and happily sniffing around, just hanging out. The sight is not uncommon on a Rodeo ground, many cowboys have this kind of dog and often they roam around, visiting and playing before they return to their owners. Naturally, we kept our eye out for anyone who might have lost a pup but nobody seemed to be searching for a lost dog that night, nor the following days.

This one didn't make any attempt to leave, and it didn't seem to belong to anyone, there was no tag. It was young, maybe five month old, wormy, a bit skinny and full of lice.
The Rodeo continued through out the weekend, without anyone ever claiming the young Heeler and by Saturday night it was clear; this female pup needed a home.
Troy and I had talked about having another dog even before Bear had to go. We wanted to wait, for what? Heck, as if I'd know!

We packed our trailer and as we were getting ready to head home it was a done deal: we had been adopted! It wasn't up to us when the time was right to get a new dog. The decision wasn't ours to make. How refreshing is that?
Things happen for a reason. I strongly believe that Bear – Dog has send Bailey. His personality trades and character are clearly apparent in her, she could be his younger sister even though that's impossible, isn't it?
Well, I don't ask that kind of question, I know she came to us for a reason and I'm just glad that she is here!