When Bear, a massive St. Bernard mix from Colorado, slipped away from his pet sitter on April 14, 2022, his family’s world was turned upside down.
For owner Brandy Ross, leaving her beloved dog in someone else’s care was already difficult, but realizing he had disappeared was absolutely devastating.
The family searched endlessly, canvassing the area and sharing his photos online, but Bear was gone without a trace. Days turned into months, and eventually years. To Ross and her family, Bear became a heartbreaking memory they carried with them.
Until one day, everything changed.
The Day Bear Vanished
Ross and her loved ones never could have imagined that Bear would one day return. That possibility felt even less likely when the family had to relocate across the country.
“Bear got loose from a pet sitter in April 2022. His family reported him missing and posted in Facebook groups, but they never found him. The saddest part is that they had to leave Colorado Springs without their beloved Bear as the military moved them to New York,” HSPPR wrote in a Facebook post.
As time passed, their hope dwindled. No calls came. No sightings were confirmed. For more than two years, Bear’s family heard nothing—until suddenly, out of the blue, the phone rang.
Animal control, working with the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, had spotted a large dog wandering near a construction site. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous.
Could It Really Be Him?
The dog looked strikingly similar to the missing St. Bernard, though thinner and rougher around the edges. While no one could be absolutely sure at first, there was a strong hunch it was Bear.
Catching him, however, was not an easy task.
Bear had survived by constantly moving around, never staying in one place long enough for anyone to get close. Volunteers with HSPPR set up feeding stations and trail cameras to monitor his behavior, patiently tracking his patterns.
Then finally, their persistence paid off.
Bear wandered into what rescuers called a “messy trap.” The moment he triggered the mechanism, the doors shut behind him. Volunteer Danielle Neiner quickly confirmed what everyone hoped: the dog they had caught was indeed Bear!
Overjoyed, the team shared the news with Ross and her family. Before he could be reunited, Bear received medical care, grooming, and lots of love from the shelter staff.
“He’s going home, and these volunteers are taking care of everything! They already took him to get a much-needed groom,” the Humane Society announced.
Tears Of Joy
When Ross got the call, she broke down in tears. After so long, it felt surreal to hear that Bear was alive and safe.
“I was literally bawling my eyes out and even now I’m in shock that this is him. It’s like so crazy that he survived for two years in the Colorado weather,” Ross told WKBT News.
Incredibly, Bear was in remarkably good shape despite the years outside. Aside from losing some weight, he had no major health issues.
On September 1, 2024, Bear finally made his way to his new home in New York. The emotional reunion between him and his family melted hearts across social media.
“I’m home mom! I’m so excited,” read the caption of a video posted on Instagram, capturing the unforgettable moment.
Though confused at first, Bear quickly recognized his people. He was finally back where he belonged, ready to start fresh and adjust to family life again.
Thanks to Danielle and the compassionate team of rescuers, this once-lost St. Bernard got the happiest ending possible. Bear’s journey is a powerful reminder that hope should never be abandoned—even after years apart, miracles can still happen.