Chatham Animal Rescue and Education

Home 		Chatham Animal Rescue & Education, Inc.
Post Office Box 610 Pittsboro, NC 27312 (919) 542-5757
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Chatham County Line article: Heartbreak and hope for Bear the beagle
January 24, 2008 February 22, 2008 May 6, 2008 May 31, 2008 July 7, 2008
For Immediate Release: January 24, 2008
Contact: Karen Sirls: karenm@chathamanimalrescue.org
919-542-5757


Pittsboro, NC - Bear, a small two year old beagle rescued by one of Chatham Animal Rescue and Education's foster caregivers this past weekend, is a survivor. According to the vet, Bear was either hit by a car or physically hit and abused. His lower jaw was broken approximately 6 months ago and was not treated. His tongue hangs all the way out of his mouth and his jaw is turned at almost a 90 degree angle. Additionally, all the teeth on his lower jaw were knocked out; the only remaining tooth in the lower jaw is rotten and infected.

Bear is one of many unfortunate faces illustrating the horrors of animal abuse and neglect. Bear's foster mom (or angel) commented, "Bear's case is proving to be very emotional for me. I cried my heart out watching him try to eat for the first time. I would like to turn Bear's suffering into a positive educational story, and, hopefully, bring this little guy the peace and love he so richly deserves."

Bear really is a survivor. His foster caregiver spent many hours with him this past weekend trying to gain his trust. He made remarkable progress trusting her within 24 hours of arriving at his new home. He is happy-go-lucky, but as expected is quite fearful of meeting people. However, Bear immediately runs up and rubs noses with other dogs he meets though. He even curls up to sleep with other four-legged family members. He seems to want love and security. Bear has found that through the kindness of Chatham Animal Rescue and Education, (C.A.R.E.). Animal cruelty is not only wrong-it is against the law in North Carolina and every other state in this country! Animal abuse can also be an indicator of other violent acts within families. Animal abuse of any kind should be reported to Chatham County Animal Control immediately, at 919-542-7203. Chatham Animal Rescue and Education, Inc. is a not-for-profit humane society. All C.A.R.E. animals are fostered in volunteer foster homes. C.A.R.E. pays for food and routine medical expenses such as spay or neuter, rabies vaccinations, deworming and vaccinations. Adoption fees cover the basic medical expenses of animals, but they do not cover additional treatments that animals, like Bear, require.

C.A.R.E. is dedicated to helping Bear recover, both physically and emotionally, and ultimately to find the wonderful forever home he deserves.

Donations can be mailed to: Chatham Animal Rescue and Education, Inc., Attn: C.A.R.E. for Bear, P.O. Box 610, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Visit C.A.R.E.'s website to make a secure online donation http://www.chathamanimalrescue.org/store_donate.shtml.

Pictures of Bear are available upon request - click here to contact us..
Update: February 22, 2008

After two surgeries to set Bear's broken jaw, Bear is ready to tackle the world. Although he has to wear the jaw apparatus until mid-April, Bear is full of energy, eating like a horse, and feeling better with each passing day. The infection from the snakebite is gone, and Bear no longer favors that leg. In fact, he runs around like a little freight train! Bear will melt your heart when he sits on his towel at feeding time. He must be spoon fed, so he opens his mouth like a little bird, and heartily eats everything in sight! The vet ordered soft food only, so CARE elected to place Bear on Purina Pro Plan, a high quality canned food, which he loves. Bear eats a daily mixture of ground up dry food that is mixed with soft canned food, warm water, and crushed vitamins. He is also a big fan of small bits of hotdog, which he happily eats while the "big dogs" receive treats during their training sessions. Bear has already mastered leash walking, and starts prancing as soon as he spots the leash! He also enjoys tossing his stuffed bunny in the air, and leaps for joy if you chase him when he has his bunny.

All in all, Bear is a wonderful fellow with a huge capacity to forget what happened, look to the future, and offer love to everyone he meets. Bear is happy, upbeat, and has energy to spare. He will make a wonderful addition to any family, especially those with children who will adore him as much as Bear adores them. Pending vet approval, Bear will be available for adoption in May.
Update: May 6, 2008

We are sad to report after Bear's jaw apparatus was removed, his jaw has once again pivoted downward. There isn't any bone on Bear's left side, so his jaw can't be stabilized. We are in the process of trying to contact the NC State Vet School to inquire about helping Bear. The final option is to remove ¼ inch of his lower jaw, but that would make eating more difficult for him. Through it all, Bear's spirit has remained steadfast and upbeat. Bear is full of energy, eating like a horse, and feeling friskier with each passing day. The infection from the snakebite is gone, and Bear no longer favors that leg. In fact, he runs around like a little freight train! Bear will melt your heart when he sits on his towel at feeding time. He must be spoon fed, so he opens his mouth like a little bird, and heartily eats everything in sight! The vet ordered soft food only, so CARE elected to place Bear on Purina Pro Plan, a high quality canned food, which he loves. Bear eats a daily mixture of ground up dry food that is mixed with soft canned food, warm water, and crushed vitamins. He is also a big fan of small bits of hotdog, which he happily eats while the "big dogs" receive treats during their training sessions. Bear has already mastered leash walking, and starts prancing as soon as he spots the leash! He also enjoys tossing his stuffed bunny in the air, and leaps for joy if you chase him when he has his bunny.

All in all, Bear is a wonderful fellow with a huge capacity to forget what happened, look to the future, and offer love to everyone he meets. Bear is happy, upbeat, and has energy to spare. He will make a wonderful addition to any family, especially those with children who will adore him as much as Bear adores them. Bear's adoption status has been put on hold until the issues with his jaw are resolved.
Update: May 31, 2008

5/31/08: Update on Bear's surgery on the NC State Vet School

Bear underwent a 5-hour surgery at the NC State Vet School on 5/29/08. A small portion of his lower jaw was removed because the tissue had become soft, fibrous tissue, and was impeding Bear's ability to eat. Multiple teeth were extracted that were damaged or rotten from the original impact. To aid in eating and allow Bear to hold in his tongue, Bear's gums on his left side were split and permanently sewn together. This will act as a sling to hold in the tongue, and give Bear a stable side to scoop food.

The NC State vets are very encouraged that this will allow Bear to lead a more normal life. They feel Bear's indomitable spirit will help him heal and overcome this latest obstacle. Bear will return to his foster home on 5/31/08, and we will begin his road to recovery.

C.A.R.E. is holding a raffle to raise funding for Bear's latest surgery. The prize is (2) round-trip airline tickets to anywhere in the Continental US on American Airlines. Each raffle ticket is $10, or (6) for $50. The raffle will be held through June 2008, with a Board member drawing the winning ticket the first week of July 2008. We limited the number of tickets to 250 to offer folks better odds at winning.

If you are interested in purchasing a raffle ticket, please email Stephanie at CARE. Or, you can purchase tickets in CARE's online store.

Update: July 7, 2008

7/07/08: Bogey Bear's final update...and Raffle Winner!

Great news! Bear's surgery at the NC State Vet School was a success! Bear's jowls were permanently sewn together to act as a sling to hold in his tongue, and a portion of his lower jaw was amputated because it had become soft tissue and was hindering Bear's ability to eat. Bear was on the operating table for 5 hours. It took him a while to recover, but this foster mom is happy to say Bear has recovered indeed! Bear is now able to romp and stomp like any other dog, and is making up for lost time! He can eat normal, dry dog food, and hasn't met a kibble he doesn't like! Many thanks to all who contributed to Bear's healing, both financially and spiritually. Bear is one of a kind, and is now ready to find for his forever family.


Raffle Ticket Update: Congratulations to Jennifer P. who had the winning raffle ticket #146! The ticket was drawn Monday, July 7, 2008. Bear says "Three cheers and enjoy your vacation!"