When the team at The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County first met Little Bear, a blind and incredibly sweet pup, they instantly fell in love. Little Bear, who had been found wandering the streets, was in desperate need of affection and a forever home.
Realizing that Little Bear needed special care, the shelter staff reached out to Lee Asher, a renowned dog rescuer and the founder of The Asher House, an animal sanctuary dedicated to saving lives. They were confident that Asher would be just as enchanted by Little Bear as they were.
Little Bear’s Journey to a New Life
Kelly Hill, a member of The Asher House team, traveled to the shelter in Washington to transport Little Bear. She drove him to Oregon, excited for him to meet his potential new dad, Lee Asher.
The Heartwarming First Meeting
The moment Asher laid eyes on Little Bear, his heart melted. The little Chow Chow, with his teddy bear appearance, was impossible not to love. Asher scooped him up in his arms, and Little Bear snuggled close, resting his fluffy head on Asher’s shoulder, and gently holding onto Asher’s arm with his paw. It was clear from the start that neither of them wanted to let go.
This instant connection was captured in a heartwarming video Asher shared on Instagram, where he assured Little Bear, “I love you! You never, ever have to worry again.”
Discovering Little Bear’s Challenges
During their embrace, Asher learned about Little Bear’s medical conditions. Hill explained that Little Bear was not only blind but suffered from entropion, a painful condition where the eyelids fold inward. This meant Little Bear would need his eyes surgically removed to alleviate his discomfort.
The Dream of a Forever Home
Once at home, Asher made sure Little Bear felt as loved as possible. He introduced him to his new environment slowly to ensure he didn’t have kennel cough before meeting the rest of the pack. Those first nights, Asher cuddled with Little Bear in his room, providing all the comfort a pup could wish for.
A Fresh Start Post-Surgery
After a couple of days settling in, Asher took Little Bear to the groomers for a well-deserved bath and then to the vet for a thorough check-up and to schedule his eye surgery. Post-surgery, Little Bear recovered beautifully, relieved from the pain he had endured.
Welcoming New Siblings
It wasn’t long before Little Bear was ready to meet his new siblings. Though initially hesitant, he soon warmed up to them with the help of other blind dogs in the pack. His new family wagged their tails, sniffed him, and gave him a warm welcome. Before long, Little Bear was giving out kisses and joining them on hikes and explorations, fully embracing his new pack life.
Thriving in His New Pack
Little Bear’s integration into the pack was seamless. He relished the companionship of his siblings, and they quickly grew to love him back. Asher often shared updates, expressing his immense joy and gratitude for having Little Bear in his life. “He’s doing amazing, he’s just so, so wonderful. I can’t tell you how much I love this dog, man,” Asher would say.
Little Bear’s New Chapter
Today, Little Bear enjoys a life filled with love, adventure, and the security of a loving home. He has found his happy place, surrounded by siblings who support him and a dad who adores him. His story is a testament to the love and happiness that every abandoned and stray pup deserves.
The transformation from a scared, blind dog on the streets to a beloved member of a nurturing family highlights the incredible impact of compassion and the difference a dedicated individual can make in an animal’s life. Little Bear’s journey is not just a story of rescue, but a story of finding a family, overcoming adversity, and discovering unconditional love.
