Grey Bear...

Grey Bear is our screen name. We chose this name as a tribute to the original Grey Bear. He was a beautiful Alaskan Malamute, and as big as a St. Bernard. Grey Bear had something special that attracted us both to him--call it an essence of wild, untamed nature. He was magnificent, and a little intimidating at times. He loved people and horses, and his uninhibited friendliness often scared the daylights out of both. Andre told me a story about how he went up to say hello to a horse and rider. As Grey Bear tried to reach up toward the rider, the horse fell over in terror,. thinking it was being attacked. Grey Bear lived a long life and right now, he is probably chasing the chickens around in heaven. We will miss him, but know that, wherever he is, he is happy and free.

Grey Bear could be as gentle as a kitten, or as wild as a wolf. I got to see his wild side many times because of a game that Andre liked to play with him. Every evening, Jim would let Bear in the house while he was fixing the dog's dinner. Jim would put Bear's bowl on the counter and fill it with dog food, table scraps, and hot broth while Bear sat on the floor waiting patiently. Andre liked to sneak up toward Bear's dish and pretend that he was going to eat Bear's food. The first time I witnessed this game, I was in the other room, and only heard the commotion at first. Andre went into the kitchen, and less than a minute later, I heard a low growl-bark followed by a loud "thunk."

When I looked in the kitchen, Bear had his front paws on the counter betweeen Andre and the dish. He was snarling at Andre, and all the fur was standing up on his back. It was frightening to me, but Andre thought it was fun, and I think Bear enjoyed asserting his ownership over that bowl, too. The next day, these two started the whole thing all over again, as if they hadn't been best friends all day. And after Bear ate, they were best friends again.

This is my favorite picture of Bear. Though he looks like a gnarled old grump here, he is actually chewing happily on a bone. Bear was very tired when we took this picture as he had just gone to the vet due to an infection, and was still healing. Usually, Bear had lots of energy and curiosity.

He enjoyed taking walks with us down to the Sun River. He loved to splash around in the water (when it was warm) and chase deer, beavers, and any other animals that happenned to be there. He was such a beautiful and wild looking dog that he blended in perfectly with the scenery.

Grey Bear will always be our favorite pet because he was true to nature his whole life. He was never a lap dog, or subservient, or shy. He was a good friend, and it was a joy to witness his life.

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