CASTLE ROCK — Bear Dog has a new fishing pole and treats galore.And when the time comes, the 18-year-old black Lab mix is ensured a peaceful end.
Since The Daily News published an article Sunday about Bear Dog, the popular Castle Rock canine known for frequenting the North County Recreation Sports Complex had received a slew of visitors, gifts and phone calls, owner Don Caulfield said Monday.
“Every time I turn around, there’s something,” said Caulfield, 62, a retired trucker.
The ink on Bear Dog’s article was barely dry when well-wishers began showing up Sunday morning at Caulfield’s mobile home on Mosier Road. A woman told Caulfield she’d already arranged with her veterinarian to “adopt” Bear Dog. She would pay for Bear’s medical treatment — and, if necessary, the cost of putting the old boy to sleep, Caulfield said, calling her a “wonderful, wonderful lady.”
“He’ll be well taken care of,” Caulfield promised. “I really appreciate everybody offering.”
When Caulfield got home from church, people were parked in front of his mobile home, and Bear Dog was looking out the window. A man had a new fishing pole for him. Bear, who loved joining fishermen at the Cowlitz River in his younger days, had his own pole until it was stolen a year ago.