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YOU AND YOUR PET Bear bears all in `his own words' JUDITH KOLU Upper Credit Humane Society volunteer Bear is a two-year-old male shepherd mix. He is a character having grown to a medium size and likes to greet you with love and affection, a little too jubilant for the preschool set, but fine for adults and older children. Over to Bear: "Before coming to the UCHS, I lived outdoors on my own on a chain since I was a puppy in abysmal conditions and then I was not ever wanted so I was surrendered. I love the people at the Shelter, but as I had spent so much time on my own I was not socialized with many other canines, so when they come near me, I get frightened and nervous, but am I going to let them know?....no way.......I posture and bark and try to fluff myself up so I look like an Alpha. In the dog pack, you are either the Alpha Pet of the Month (the leader) or one of the followers, I am not sure what I am supposed to be, so have to pretend. The UCHS trainer says that I have tons of potential, and I am "very workable", which means once I get my confidence I will be fine. She feels I need a family who are experienced dog owners, because she and I know I learn things quickly. It is only that no one taught me that other dogs are fun, and will give companionship and love but I did not have any chance to have any interaction with human or canine... I just was given loneliness and neglect. I also feel it is perhaps because now I am having attention from the caregivers, "love" which is a new feeling for me, I don't want to share with any of my friends in here. I promise give me a chance and I will surprise you. I think "training" sounds like great fun! The caregivers are worried about me, because I seem to have lost my appetite, and they are frightened I will become depressed, which is not a good thing to be. They can still get my interest at any time when I can be with people, play Frisbee, play ball, I am quite athletic, and love the feel of my muscles moving.especially in the little pool with water in it. I splash, oh it feels so good. I am really frightened that now we have the puppies here, no one will come to see me. I was loved when I was little puppy, then the time between my people spending time with me got longer and longer, I wondered why I was just left tied up, they loved me so much when I was a puppy. My kind heart hopes these little guys will always be loved as they grow up when they are adopted." Back to me, I have bared my hurting little soul to you, please call the Shelter at 519833-2287, come and see me. Try not to judge me on first glance, give me time to show you my inner spirit. I will try and try to do what you want, as you help me with gentle kindness to love and trust again.