Bear

I remember the day he arrived home in 2016, with his adorable innocent eyes and an entitled air about him. It was clear from day one that Bear was always going to get what he wanted. His charming demeanor and those weaponized irresistible eyes could soften the hardest of hearts.?

One of Bear's peculiar quirks was his knack for pretending to watch and understand television. I would often find him seated in front of the screen, his gaze fixed as if he were fully engrossed in the show. It was a delightful sight, and I couldn't help but chuckle at his attempt to decipher the mysteries of the television world.

Bear had a unique sleep pattern, choosing to conserve his energy during the day and remaining active in the night.

While Bear possessed a peaceful nature, he was equally territorial when it came to those he loved. Friends and acquaintances received warm welcomes and friendship, but those who intruded without caution were met with a protective side of Bear. I recall an incident when utility servicemen entered my property uninvited. Bear, ever the guardian, ensured their files and papers were held in safe custody until my return. His ability to take charge and protect those he cared about never ceased to amaze me.

Bear had a special fondness for human ladies, a phenomenon I could never fully comprehend. He treated them with unparalleled care and affection, going above and beyond to make them feel cherished. I was no match for Bear in this area. In return, the lovely ladies rewarded him with massages and tender loving care. It was a unique bond that brought joy to both Bear and those who knew of this inexplicable connection.

Our outdoor adventures were some of the most treasured memories. We would embark on thrilling runs together, covering five kilometers around the UCU Hill thrice a week. His excitement was palpable whenever he saw me putting on my sneakers or reaching for his leash. He would abandon whatever he was doing and eagerly jump around, ready for the exhilarating run. Our shared runs became a symbol of our bond and a testament to Bear's adventurous spirit.

Bear's encounter with other dogs during one of our runs was nothing short of comical. The surprise on his face was priceless when he realized he wasn't the only dog in the world. His posture instantly transformed, with his facial and back hair standing on end like a big cat. With determination in his eyes, he pulled me along, as if demanding an explanation from the other dogs for their audacity to exist. It was a hilarious moment that showcased Bear's unique perspective on life.

Sometimes we played fetch, although Bear had a mischievous streak to it. More often than not, he would fetch the item I threw, only to stubbornly hold onto it, refusing to return it to me. It became a playful game of chase, with Bear enticing me to pursue him.

Our races around the yard were another source of joy for both Bear and me. However, there was one particular incident that left a lasting impression. I found myself gaining an edge, almost overtaking Bear. In a mischievous move, Bear tripped my legs, causing me to fall hard, breaking a phone in my pocket. The remorse on Bear's face was immediate as he rushed over, showering me with apologetic licks. It was as if he wanted to heal not just my physical wounds but also the emotional pain caused by his unintentional prank.

In 2018, I decided to introduce Gentleman, another furry companion, into our household. I thought Bear would appreciate the company, but unfortunately, their relationship was far from harmonious. They engaged in frequent battles, and on one occasion, I found myself caught in the crossfire. In the chaos, Bear accidentally nipped my thigh, thinking he had caught Gentleman. The moment he realized his mistake, he was overwhelmed with embarrassment, his remorse shining through. It was a reminder that even in the most trying situations, Bear's love and loyalty remained unwavering.

Bear had an interesting relationship with water. While he appreciated being clean and smart, he despised the thought of water touching his precious coat. Bathing became a hilarious game of chase, as Bear would scamper for dear life at the mere sight of the hosepipe. Trickery became my ally, finding clever ways to lure him into the shower, and sometimes just outrightly lifting him while he kicked his legs in protest. It was an amusing dance between us, and once clean, Bear would bask in the post-shower bliss, knowing he had access to every corner of the house, his reward for enduring the dreaded water.

In terms of lifestyle, some of my friends say that Bear seemed to have adopted my penchant for the good life. We both abhorred unnecessary suffering and embraced the finer things. However, I think that there were moments when Bear took it to another level. I remember one evening, exhausted after a long meeting in Kampala, I brought home dinner from CJs. Placing the meal on the table, I went to take a much-needed shower before indulging. To my utter shock, when I emerged from the bathroom, there was Bear, wasted comfortably on the floor, devouring the only edible food suitable for a human in the house at that late hour. Unfazed by my presence, he continued eating, as if asserting his right to the meal. I retreated to the kitchen and settled for a cup of tea instead.

Bear had a peculiar love for the couch, especially when he was dirty. It seemed as if he relished the feeling of sitting on the pristine fabric with his paws stamped, gleefully watching my reaction as if I should appreciate the "artistic touch" he added. While it may have tested my patience, it always brought a smile to my face, knowing that Bear's mischievousness was a part of his playful spirit that we both enjoyed.?

During my travels, Bear's resilience and intelligence always stood out. Before I had help to take care of him, I devised a system to ensure he was well-fed and hydrated throughout my absence. Multiple bowls and water pails were strategically placed around the yard, filled with enough food to last a week. Bear, being the resourceful creature he was, located each and every one of them before I even left the gate. He followed my plan (or his love for meat), starting with the bowl containing meat and wisely saving the dry food for later. His actions taught me a valuable lesson about saving for rainy days as he buried the excess meat in various spots around the yard. When I unknowingly encroached on one of his hiding spots while planting vegetables, Bear's protests took the form of digging up my work, as if to remind me of his buried treasures.

For seven incredible years, Bear filled my life with immeasurable happiness, unwavering companionship, and a sense of peace. He became an integral part of my daily routine, and every homecoming was met with excitement as he daily walked me to the gate and eagerly welcomed me back. However, my heart sank when he broke that routine one month ago, failing to walk me to the gate in the morning, or meet me there in the evening for two consecutive days. It was an unsettling sign that something was amiss. The sight of Bear in visible pain confirmed my fears. I wasted no time and called a veterinarian immediately. Despite the treatment and the hope we held onto, Bear's health continued to deteriorate rapidly. It was a heartbreaking decision to transfer him to a clinic, where he received intensive care for two weeks. We fought tirelessly to combat the infection that had taken hold of his body.?

Sadly, Bear's condition worsened. Two days ago he ruptured a major vessel, resulting in significant blood loss. The veterinarian and I grappled with difficult decisions, contemplating whether it was time to free Bear from his suffering. This morning at 2:01 am, Bear made the decision for us.

Bear leaves me with solid memories of mischief, unconditional love, and the immense joy we shared. He was not just a dog. He was a friend, a companion, a TV critic, an athlete, a gourmet connoisseur, an interior decorator (more like a painter), a peacekeeper, and a savior. He lived life with energy and enthusiasm, with a keen interest in, and a smooth approach to matters women.?

To Bear!