In the summer of 2014 we received a call from people in a small town within an hour's drive of the shelter. They said there was a Newfoundland living on a chain, and he was matted, filthy, and miserable. They asked if we could do anything to help this dog. HUA representatives drove to thehome right away. Big Boy Bear was chained to an old shed. He had a huge collar around his neck attached to the heavy chain. He had worn a dirt circle as far as the chainwould reach in an area of tall weeds. He had a dog house that he could not get into.

When he was approached with kind words and treats, he seemed amiable but then suddenly lunged at a staff member, fiercely growling and snapping. BB Bear's owners were elderly people who were physically unable to handle him, but they did not want to relinquish him. They did agree that the poor dog needed immediate care, and they agreed to let HUA help him.