As many of you know, my friend Kelli recently experienced an immense loss that has left her heartbroken Her ever-present sidekick, Little Bear, crossed the rainbow bridge on June 5th, leaving behind a void that can never be filled. Little Bear was more than just a dog; he was her soulmate, her confidant, and her constant source of comfort and joy for nearly 14 incredible years.

From the moment Little Bear entered Kelli's life at 5 weeks old, their bond was unbreakable. A man had Bear and his siblings in a cardboard box at a closed down business in town, and Bear’s relentless energy charmed Kelli immediately. To know Kelli was to know Bear, and to know Bear was to love him. You just couldn’t help it. Together, they weathered life's ups and downs, Bear supporting Kelli through the darkest moments. Their friendship was a lifeline, a connection that transcended words and provided unwavering love and support.

Recently, Kelli and Little Bear had taken an important step in their journey together. They moved in with Kelli's loving boyfriend Alastair, who embraced Little Bear as his own. Little Bear, in his infinite wisdom and devotion, seemed to hold on until he knew Kelli was safe and cared for at home, and surrounded by the love and support of her extended family and friends. This profound act of loyalty and love only deepens the pain of his absence.

Unfortunately, Little Bear's health had been declining recently, and despite Kelli's constant efforts to give him the best care possible, Bear suffered a scary medical event he could not come back from, and the decision was made to ease his suffering through a compassionate final act of love. Kelli spared no expense, amassing approximately $8,000 in medical bills, desperately trying everything within her power to give Little Bear comfort, and more time by her side.

Now, as Kelli grapples with the immense grief of losing her best friend, she is burdened by the weight of the financial strain that accompanies such a difficult decision. It breaks my heart to see her not only cope with the immense emotional toll of this loss but also the financial implications of such a hard few months.

In times like these, we have an opportunity to come together to show Kelli that she is not alone in her sorrow, and that we are here to lift her up in any way we can. I have taken the liberty of creating a GoFundMe campaign to help with the financial burden that Kelli now faces. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference and demonstrate our love and support during this trying time.

I want to emphasize that there is absolutely no obligation to donate. We understand that everyone has their own financial responsibilities and constraints. Your thoughts, prayers, and kind words of support are just as valuable during this difficult period. If you can contribute to the campaign, it would be deeply appreciated, but your emotional support means the world to Kelli and those that love her as well.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kelli and Little Bear’s story, and thank you in advance for any support you can offer, whether it's through a donation or a simple show of solidarity. Together, we can make a difference.

With deepest gratitude,

Bri