Contact Ruth                  Contact Bear
I have always liked animals ever since I was young, and believe me that was a long time ago. I have always tried to train my pets to do tricks, sometimes it worked out and other times my pets liked to watch me do the tricks. Being an only child, this kept me very entertained. As my son Ryan was growing up, pets played a big part of not only my life but his also. We had rabbits, cats, fish, hamsters, dogs, you name it we had them. When Ryan grew up and although he loved all his pets, he moved on to friends, sports and the US Navy. My love of animals would not stop, I got myself involved in Rainbow Therapy Dogs. I would have never thought of how this program would save my life and help others, they are a local chapter of Therapy Dogs International.

Through the Rainbow Therapy Dogs, I became certified with my lab, Taffi to visit facilities. When I got Bear, I knew he was special and at 3 months old he would go with me dressed in different costumes. I knew that I wanted to make him into a therapy dog, so at 6 months old, my Dad and myself took him on vacation to Niagara Falls, Canada. I got Bear all dressed in his Harley Davidson outfit and glasses, and we all went walking on the strip. I was carrying Bear and as soon as we got on the strip, about 30 people speaking many different languages circled us. They kept saying "PHOTO", some would take his picture and others wanted to hold Bear and be photographed with him. Bear enjoyed all the attention and I knew he could be a therapy dog. He still loves to go to Niagara Falls.

When Bear was a year old, in early 2002, I went thru the Therapy Dog International test with him. My Dad wanted to be tested with him also as he could handle Bear by carrying him. He passed also. He would carry Bear in his Harley outfit and I would take my lab. I then got my 2 other labs, Guinness, and Tayler certified last year, and recently my Lhasa Apso, Ebony.

I lost my son Ryan while he was serving in the Navy, spring of 2002. He was 25 years old and a Navy Diver. The loss of my only child took a piece of my heart that I thought would never heal. Today, I can continue my life, because Ryan loved this program also. When I visit with Bear and my other dogs, I know Ryan is with me.

Last summer I saw a remote Harley Davison in the toy Department of one of our stores. It was a red one and I thought, " Could I teach Bear to ride this Harley?" It was expensive and I didn't want to spend the extra money. I thought about it and thought this would really make people laugh to see Bear riding this. I went back to get it and it was gone. They did have another one. It was a yellow "Fat Boy". I bought it home and took it over to a good friend and he put training wheel on it. The seat was too slick so I took a Tupperware bowl, cut it in half, put on sheepskin, so he could balance better. We worked for four months and after a lot of motivation, patience, and laughs, Bear could ride. At first I just pulled him while we made the remote sound off. Then he could ride with me steering with a little string. Then I took off the string and off he went by himself. The only downside is you can't steer it so I have to run along side to keep it straight.

To this day Bear has entertained many people in hospitals, nursing homes and schools. He is also involved in the Ohio Reads Program, this is where children read to him as he rests on their desks. Bear is truly a therapy dog, he has not only given me strength to continue on with my life after my great loss, but has united me with hundreds of new friends. Ryan has always loved Bear, and I know that he and Bear are working together to make sure I live my life to the fullest.


Please sign Bear's guest book, Thank you!

For those of you who want information on
certifying you and your dog click here

Home page photos courtesy of Paul Wikowski
To buy photos of Bear, visit Paul Wikowski's Gallery

Email ruth@dogonahog.org
Website donated by: txeagle.com
Site designed by: phraustdesign.com