Bear Ritterbusch

Birth date: unknown; joined our family on September 30, 1997 Passed Away: July 15, 2010 Age:15 Breed: Chow-Terrier

Bear entered our lives and our hearts on September 30, 1997. I will always remember our first encounter with her, she was the only dog not barking at the Humane Society of Greater Akron Ohio where we adopted her. She just sat there wagging her tail and looking up at us, giving us her best puppy eyes. We just knew we had to have her, and with that decision our lives changed forever. Bear has brought joy, happiness, and unconditional love to each and every person that ever reached out to pet her. With just a tail wag or a lick on the face or hand she made any problems seem to go away. Bear could usually be found on the couch (even though she wasn’t supposed to be up there), laying in the middle of the floor waiting for someone to trip over here to which she would respond with a look on her face as if to say “Hey watch where you are going!” or at our feet wagging her tail. She was not a fan of squeaky toys or tennis balls but for some reason loved my stuffed animals. Her nights were spent next to me as my cuddle buddy providing comfort and a sense of safety even though we all knew her bark was the scariest thing about her and the worst she could do was lick someone to death. When Bear was 6 she was diagnosed with cancer and lost her right hind leg but proved to us all that she was a fighter and was not going to be taken down by anything. She had a wonderful life and got to see much of America. She mostly enjoyed the snowy states and enjoyed spending time outside letting jack frost nip at her nose. She always enjoyed chasing squirrels and cats even though she never could catch them. She had a special relationship with each one of us and certainly favored Mom whenever she had a steak in her hand for Bear or after a surgery when all Bear wanted was Mom by her side. She was always patient, loving, caring, and kind to all who entered our home and lives. She was never a dog who complained but wagged her tail no matter what the situation including when getting a shot from the vet. Even though she is not with us anymore physically, she will always be in our hearts and our memories. We love you and we will miss you Bear but we will never forget you or the love you gave us. I know you are in Heaven now with all four legs again getting spoiled by Grandpa, chasing squirrels and watching over us. Goodbye may seem forever, farewell is like the end. But in my heart is a memory and there you’ll always be. Thank you for being my best friend. No matter what. Sleep well, you have earned your rest.

Love you always, Mom, Melodee, Kellianne and Katie

Funeral Home:
All Paws Great and Small Crematory
5611 E. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX
US 78220