When Bear, a massive St. Bernard mix from Colorado, slipped away from his pet sitter on April 14, 2022, his family was heartbroken.
Brandy Ross, his owner, had struggled with the thought of leaving her beloved “boi” even for a short time. But knowing he was truly lost broke her heart in a way she hadn’t expected.
They searched high and low, combing every corner they could think of, but Bear was simply gone. Days turned into months, then into years, and the gentle giant became a bittersweet memory for his family.
Until…
Lost But Not Forgotten
Never in their wildest dreams could Ross and her family imagine Bear finding his way back home someday.
Especially with the heart-wrenching move to New York for military duties, each mile added felt like another step away from any hope of reunion.
“Bear got loose from a pet sitter in April 2022. His family reported him missing and posted in Facebook groups, but they never found him. The saddest part is that they had to leave Colorado Springs without their beloved Bear as the military moved them to New York,” HSPPR shared on Facebook.
For two long years, the family heard nothing about their beloved dog—until, one day, the phone finally rang!
In an unexpected twist, animal control, working alongside the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, spotted a large, familiar figure wandering near a construction site. From there, as they say, the rest is history!
Could This Be Bear?
Even though they weren’t entirely certain that the spotted dog was Bear, they had every reason to believe it was him! He looked just like the dog reported missing—just a little lighter.
But bringing Bear in? That was no easy feat.
This Colorado boi wandered from place to place, never quite settling down in one spot. Determined to bring him home, volunteers at HSPPR set up feeding stations and trail cameras everywhere, hoping to learn his favorite haunts.
Then, one day, a miracle finally happened!
Bear stepped into what they called a “messy trap,” triggered the light, and the doors gently clicked shut! Danielle Neiner, the dedicated volunteer who’d been tracking him, soon verified his identity. It was indeed Bear!
The compassionate rescue team couldn’t wait to share the joyful news with Bear’s family—this lost pup was finally on his way back to the life he’d known and loved!
Before setting out on his journey home, the team made sure Bear was in the best shape possible. They brought him to the vet, gave him a much-deserved grooming session, and showered him with some tender loving care.
“He’s heading home, and these amazing volunteers are handling it all! They even got him a long-overdue groom,” the Humane Society shared.
A Reunion to Remember
Ross and her family received the news in tears, overwhelmed by the thought that Bear was finally coming home after more than two years of surviving alone.
Amazingly, Bear was perfectly healthy! Other than a bit of weight loss, he hadn’t suffered any serious issues.
“I was literally bawling my eyes out, and even now, I’m in shock that this is him. It’s so crazy that he survived for two years in the Colorado weather,” Ross shared with WKBT News.
On September 1, 2024, Bear finally stepped into his New York home, all thanks to his incredible rescuers!
It was a reunion that could melt even the toughest heart—Bear and his momma, together again, with thousands moved to tears by their story.
“I’m home, mom! I’m so excited,” read the caption on a heartwarming Instagram video.
Though a bit dizzy at first, Bear soon recognized his long-lost family, settling in as if no time had passed. Now, he’s slowly getting back into his old rhythm and rediscovering the warmth of home.
Thanks to Danielle and her dedicated team, Bear was given this second chance at life. Stories like his remind us of the goodness in the world and truly restore our faith in humanity!