Three-legged Bear has "way too much love" for his family
Caption: Bear gives a sloppy kiss to his owner Dani Jones.By Richard BruinsmaIt’s a very special thing when circumstances bring together individuals who are meant for each other.That’s exactly what happened when Dani Jones and her three children Ty, Mia and Eli were united with their lovable and unique pet dog Bear.Bear was just four months old when his front right leg was amputated after a car accident. He was eventually abandoned and he was just 24 hours away from being euthanased when Dani and Eli saw his picture late one night on a website for unwanted pets.“They were going to put him down because they couldn’t find him a family,” Ms Jones explained.“But he felt like he was ours; we needed him and he needed us.”They organised to take him in, and he was personally delivered from an animal shelter on the Gold Coast to the Jones’ home in Palmwoods.The lengthy trip was made all the more uncomfortable by a four-hour traffic jam during the journey, but, when he arrived, the challenging road trip was forgotten and it was love at first site.“I felt like he’d fit right in, and he did; he fitted straight in” Ms Jones said. That was a year ago. Since then, he’s grown into a hefty two year old, piling on 10kg to now weigh in at a bulky 40kg.And he’s become a much-loved part of the Jones family – even taking the liberty to clamber up on their laps for a comfy place to snuggle when the family members watch TV.As for the missing leg, it’s never been an issue for the family, or for Bear.“I don’t think really think he even notices; except when he trips over,” Ms Jones said.“He doesn’t walk well, he lumbers along when we take him walking, but he really loves to run, he barrels along.Caption: Loveable and energetic dog Bear, who has not let the loss of a leg dampen his enthusiasm for life, with his owner Eli Jones of Palmwoods.“I admire those who overcome big challenges.”The family is not sure exactly what breed Bear is. He could include some Bull Mastiff, maybe American Staffy and possibly even a little Ridgeback.But one thing they do know, he’s now an important part of their family, his energy and enthusiasm has helped them through tough times, and he really loves his food.“He likes eating, he once ate his food bowl, and his bed, and he seems to love eating left shoes,” Ms Jones said with a smile.“He’s got way too much love for just one dog.” And the Jones family also has lots of love for him!