One more thing, if you can help me convince my heart that, “he is just a dog”, I would appreciate that too.

To anyone that has ever walked in the door at ScatterGun Lodge in the last ten years, there is one true highlight.  He is a hundred-pound Yellow Labrador named Bear.

The weight of his gigantic head on the laps of hundreds and hundreds of people is a memory in itself.  The program has always been exactly the same, you sit on the floor and Bear will lay on your lap.

Today, it is with incredible sadness that I share with all of you that our friend has been diagnosed with cancer.

The prognosis is not very good but as of this writing he is still with us.  He is having a really hard time getting around, but we still have a small sliver of hope that he might survive.

If you have ever seen this incredible dog in action, shared his affection, or just looked into those huge brown eyes, I have a favor to ask.  Take a minute to say a prayer asking the Lord to let him hang around for a little longer.  If it is time for him to go, may he do so without pain and with all the love and dignity he so richly deserves.

One more thing, If you can help me convince my heart that, “he is just a dog”, I would appreciate that too.

CMR