Blue Bear Finds Comfort After Life-Changing Moment

For the past 11 years, Blue Bear’s father had been his only family, providing him with love and care. But everything changed last week when Blue Bear’s father found himself without a place to stay, leading to the senior mastiff being brought to Trenton Animals Rock.

Blue Bear was confused and distressed as he arrived at the shelter. He didn’t understand why he was there or why his father was so upset. His constant barking frightened the shelter staff until his father calmed him down, encouraging him to sit. That’s when Danielle Gletow, the director of Trenton Animals Rock, stepped in.

Gletow recalls, “I walked up to him, and he immediately nestled his head into my waist, letting me touch him. It was just heartbreaking.” She recognized that Blue Bear wasn’t acting aggressively; he was simply bewildered and sad.

Determined not to let Blue Bear spend the night at the shelter, Gletow made it her mission to find him a temporary home. But Blue Bear’s sorrow only deepened as he was separated from his family. “We tried putting Blue Bear in a cage while we made some calls, but he was really upset,” Gletow shared. “So, we brought him into the office, and he sat right on my lap.”

Blue Bear’s longing to be with his father was evident. “He’d sit by the door, crying every time. When he turned around, there were tears running down his face. I’m not exaggerating when I say I was crying too,” Gletow said.

With a heart full of determination, Gletow promised Blue Bear she wouldn’t leave until he found a temporary home. Given his size—he weighed 130 pounds—and his severe arthritis in his hind legs, she knew it wouldn’t be an easy task.

To spread the word, Gletow went live on Facebook, showing the heartbreaking situation. The response was overwhelming, with calls and messages pouring in from all across the country.

Luckily, Madison, a local foster, saw the video and offered to take Blue Bear in. At Madison’s home, Blue Bear finally began to relax. “We placed a cushion on the floor, and he lay his head on it. Madison and I just sat with him, hugged him, and spent time with him,” Gletow recalled. “He’s such a sweet, gentle giant.”

Though Blue Bear’s father is still in touch with Gletow, the focus now is on finding Blue Bear the perfect place to spend his golden years. “We’re going to give him some time in foster care to decompress,” Gletow said. “Once we know his health needs, we’ll begin looking for a permanent home with someone experienced with large dogs. He’ll receive the care he deserves, including vitamins and possibly acupuncture for his arthritis.”

Trenton Animals Rock continues to be a vital resource for animals in the community. Gletow explains, “A lot of people don’t realize that we’re a no-kill shelter, so they hesitate to reach out. We’re working to make this shelter more approachable and show the community that we’re here to help.”

While Blue Bear’s future is still being shaped, one thing is certain: no more tears will be shed. With the support of his new foster family, Blue Bear is on his way to a brighter, more comfortable life.