Bear’s story sparks concern, help worldwide

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

It was a heart-wrenching tale with a happy ending – but the story’s not over yet.

Lost during a snowstorm and forced to survive a harsh winter alone and injured in the woods, Bear gets a lot of mail these days, especially for a dog.

Jacqueline and Arie Levering of Inglisville say that ever since he’s come home, hardly a day has gone by without calls and letters for Bear.

“I’m keeping a scrapbook,“ said Jacqueline Levering. “So far I’ve answered 21 letters for Bear, I always send photos in the return mail.”

The starved and injured dog, found by a Department of Transportation employee in late January, has regained some of his weight and is beginning to alternately move his injured legs.

The dog remains on a special diet, and will require ongoing medication; but Bear always tries to put his best paws forward, according to Jacqueline.

It’s still undecided whether the dog should undergo surgery to reset the bones that have naturally mended. Two of his legs were broken and his pelvis had been crushed.

What happened is still a mystery, but the Leverings believe that Bear was hit by a vehicle when he and his brother Noah got loose during a blizzard on November 11.

The Leverings searched for weeks, but were unable to find him. When David Lewis saw him on January 23 at the side of the Alpena Rd., Bear weighed about 25 pounds and was recovering from two broken legs and a crushed pelvis.

These days the Leverings say that an already remarkable story has taken another twist. When Bear’s story hit the airwaves, it seemed to spark goodwill among strangers.

Aside from an outpouring of interest and warm vibrations, people have been offering to help out with the cost of his vet bills.

“I put the money aside in an envelope,” she said. “He’s the only dog I know with his own cash.”

Recently a 4-H group in Kings County offered to take on fundraising for Bear as one of their 2008 projects. Jacqueline said that while she knew that Bear’s story is special, she never expected so many people to take an interest in him.

“This is so unexpected and appreciated,” she said. “I can’t believe how many people want to do something, to somehow be a part of this.”

The Leverings have heard from people across the country, the US, and even Holland. Bear’s story has been told on television, appeared over the internet, and in newspapers all over Canada.

Jacqueline was interviewed on a radio talk show after Bear’s story appeared in The Montreal Gazette.

“I’ve met a lot of nice people because of this,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed this excitement.”

She adds that with the money people have already sent and what the 4-H group will raise, most of Bear’s vet expenses are likely taken care of

“I’m not using my dog to raise money,” she said. “But if people want to give something, maybe they could consider giving it to CAPS (Companion Animal Protection Society in Annapolis County) in his name.”

She added that people are welcome to stop in and visit Bear, as he loves attention. All in all, it’s been quite a ride for everyone.

As much as the Leverings worried and lost sleep over Bear while he was missing, they admit they don’t like to think about what he likely went through during the weeks he was missing.

“It shows that you should never give up on your pet,” said Arie Levering. “Never give up.”