Bear is a Miniature Australian Shepherd. He was the companion animal of one of my friends until she passed away from terminal lung cancer in 2003. Sadly, Bear and the deceased were companions for only a short time. After researching all about the breed, and a few short months after bringing Bear to his new home, my friend became ill. Within a few months, she was too ill to care for Bear, and arrangements had to be made for Bear to be adopted by another caring family.

Meanwhile, my friend's health continued to decline. Several of my friends and I searched desperately for a hospice facility to assist our dying friend, and while we spoke to the executive-level staff of several hospices, they all indicated that hospice services could not be provided to my friend, primarily due to issues relating to medical insurance. Finally, we contacted Hospice of Presbyterian in La Mirada, California, a true God-send. The Executive Director worked with my friend's insurance provider to make it possible for my friend to enter one of their hospice facilities where the staff members were truly caring people. Their dedication and compassion gave my friend comfort in her last days, and they restored her dignity as she passed from her earthly life. Moreover, thousands of others have the same medical insurance provider as the deceased had, and, thanks to the flexibility and creative thinking of the staff of Hospice of Presbyterian, they too have hospice care available to them should they ever need it.

Bear was adopted by mutual friends of mine and the deceased. He now shares a happy home with two older children and an Alaskan Malamute.