Bear is the first in several ways.... The first Karay Samoyed. The first Karay rescue case. The first intensive care project. The first Karay showdog. And the first Karay Samoyed to earn his CGC and TDI.

Bear had a rough life from the start. A bad home as a puppy, abuse, neglect. Then another bad home, and still another...... Finally, Bear was left to an empty apartment, only being let out once a day. When a thief broke in the front window, Bear saw his chance and ran. He was picked up by Animal Control, and thanks to his tattoo, his Breeder was called, who in turn called us for help.

Much time and therapy was spent trying to save this beautiful dog. From that experience, Central Ohio Samoyed Rescue was born. And a year after Bear was first received, sick and mentally destroyed, the NEW Goldstar's Wags to Riches entered a dogshow, and went Best of Opposite over Special, beating out the very people who abused him. Then, point proven, he was retired to full water bowls and plenty of toys.

At one point in his life, Bear could recognize nearly 60 words. We were starting to wonder if he could spell them too.... But December 1996 saw two stokes within 30 days of each other. Physical damage is heavy, with nerve loss to his left front leg, face, and side. He is losing his hearing, and often forgets his own name. Still, he is still the same wonderful loving boy that walked through the front door back in 1990.