Dear Friends, Family, and Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we reach out to you. Our beloved community member, Bear, recently faced one of the most difficult decisions any pet owner could make. His loyal companion, Trixie, a beautiful German Shepherd mix who became a part of his life on October 19th, 2015, fell seriously ill just two weeks ago. Despite Bear's relentless efforts to find out what was wrong and get her the best care possible, Trixie’s condition rapidly deteriorated.

Bear did everything in his power to save Trixie, sparing no expense, and hoping against hope that she could be healed. Unfortunately, after weeks of battling uncertainty and watching her suffer, Bear made the heart-wrenching decision to mercifully let her go, to end her pain and allow her to find peace.

Trixie wasn’t just a pet; she was Bear’s steadfast partner in adventure and in life. Over the years, Bear provided Trixie with an incredibly full and meaningful life. Together, they participated in barn hunt competitions, where Trixie showcased her sharp instincts and agility. They engaged in tracking, where her keen nose was invaluable. Trixie even trained for search and rescue, embodying her innate desire to help and protect. Bear and Trixie also spent countless joyful hours in Fast CAT events, where Trixie’s speed and love for running shone brightly. Each of these activities was not just a hobby but a testament to the deep bond they shared—a bond built on trust, love, and mutual respect.

Trixie brought immense joy, pride, and companionship to Bear and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her spirited nature and loving heart left a mark on our entire community. We all felt a part of their journey and shared in their many adventures.

Now, as Bear grapples with the profound loss of his beloved Trixie, he is also faced with the significant financial burden of her veterinary care. The unexpected costs of diagnostics, treatments, and ultimately, the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye, have accumulated beyond what Bear can manage alone.

We are coming together as a community to help Bear during this difficult time. We hope to raise funds to cover the vet expenses incurred during Trixie’s final days, to alleviate some of the financial strain, and allow Bear to focus on healing from this loss.

No amount is too small. Every contribution, whether financial or simply sharing this story, will make a difference. Let’s honor Trixie’s memory by helping Bear in his time of need, just as Trixie always helped him.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support.

With gratitude,

Bear's Support Team