A BOY AND HIS BEAR

Thirteen-year-old Marc was paired with Bear, a 70-pound Shepard/Black Lab mix, for training. Marc learned of Bear’s story during his first UnChained class. Bear was one of 12 puppies who were separated not long after the birth and placed into 12 homes for fostering or adoption. 

The separation of the puppies struck a nerve with Marc. He asked the UnChained staff why the siblings were separated. He learned that the chances of Bear being adopted with his 11 siblings were very unlikely and Marc shared this with his mother.

Marc's mother adopted Marc and his 3 siblings when they were young, ensuring that they would not be separated. Marc appreciated, perhaps for the first time, how precious this gift was. Through Bear’s story, he shared his appreciation with his mother. 

Marc's mother credits Bear with helping Marc to talk honestly with his mom about his past experiences. She was so grateful for this gift she received from Marc and from Bear. Thank you, Bear, for your gift of building trust between a mother and her child!