In Mobile, Alabama, a heartbreaking story unfolded when a Cane Corso dog named Bear. Spent almost an entire year wandering the streets with a plastic box stuck on his head. This sad situation was not just a simple case of a stray dog. Bear was terrified, refusing to let anyone get close to him. His trauma made the rescue effort much more difficult, especially since Bear’s massive size rendered conventional traps ineffective.
The heartbreaking image of dog struggling to survive with obstacle like that was enough to galvanize a team of rescuers. Together, the animal control officers from the City of Mobile Animal Services. And the Mobile County Animal Shelter came together in what became one of the largest rescue operations in the region. Their goal was clear: to free Bear from his torment and offer him a chance at a better life.
The Rescue Operation Begins
Bear, who had been seen multiple times over the course of several months, had the plastic box stuck on his head. Likely after scavenging through trash. The object appeared to be the top of a trash can, the kind often found behind restaurants and parks. Sadly, in his search for food, Bear’s head became trapped, and for months, he roamed the streets in a desperate attempt to survive.
It’s a miracle Bear managed to survive for so long. With the plastic box obstructing his ability to eat and drink. His life was in constant peril. But it took the compassion of a local resident to finally spark the rescue mission. The person who witnessed Bear’s plight contacted the authorities, leading to an urgent response from the rescue teams.
Bear’s Miraculous Rescue
The operation to free Bear was not without its challenges. While the animal control officers successfully removed the plastic box from Bear’s head, his fear had taken root. Unable to trust humans, Bear fled before the rescuers could safely secure him with a leash. Despite this setback, the team refused to give up. They pursued him, organizing a thorough search operation that ultimately brought Bear to safety.
Once Bear was safely captured, he was taken to the local shelter. There, he began to show signs of improvement. According to Martin Miller, the shelter staff immediately fell in love with Bear. He was described as sweet and gentle, and he was treated like royalty as he began his recovery.
A New Beginning for Bear
Initially, Bear remained in the shelter under a stray hold, preventing him from being adopted. During his time at the shelter, however, Bear’s personality began to shine. However, he grew close to one of the volunteers who had spent considerable time helping him. And it soon became clear that Bear had found his perfect match.
Finding a suitable home for a dog who had received so much media attention was a challenge. “There’s going to be a ton of people that want to take him home,” said Robert Bryant, the Director of City of Mobile Animal Services. However, after some reflection, the team decided that Bear’s new home should be with the volunteer who had invested so much in his rescue.
Bear’s Forever Home and New Role
Bear was officially adopted by Martin Miller, the volunteer who had played a key role in his rescue. After that, Bear enjoys a life filled with love and companionship, and he will never again experience the loneliness and fear he once endured on the streets. However, his adoption story serves as a powerful reminder of the difference that dedicated rescuers can make in the lives of animals.
Bear’s story didn’t just end with his rescue; he has become an ambassador for the City of Mobile Animal Services. He now spends his days at the shelter, promoting the adoption of stray animals alongside his new dad. Bear’s transformation from a lost, terrified dog to a beloved pet is nothing short of miraculous.
Today, Bear’s story has captured the hearts of thousands, and thanks to the tireless efforts of his rescuers, he now lives a life of joy and comfort. His journey reminds us that every animal deserves a second chance and that no matter how difficult the rescue, love can always find a way.
Sometimes, when you walk through the shelter, something stops you in your tracks. A sound, a glance, a moment of recognition. Today, it was Rosa💔 It wasn’t just the look in her eyes—it was the weight of her loneliness, so thick and heavy that it felt like it was pressing against our chest, making it hard to breathe. We stood outside her kennel and watched her staring back at us with something beyond sadness. It was the kind of quiet resignation you see when a dog stops believing. Rosa doesn’t know what life outside these walls feels like. She has never had a home. She was just a baby when she came here. A tiny, unsure puppy, rescued by our incredible Animal Law Enforcement team. Rosa was one of the innocent ones that was a victim of cruelty far too early on in her precious life. We are the only place, and the only family, she’s ever known. She has celebrated two birthdays in our shelter, surrounded by walls that she is starting to feel will never open for her. We took this video, and when we walked away, tears just started falling, because why? Why is she still waiting? Why is a dog so beautiful, so strong, so deserving, still here? Rosa needs a lifeline. She needs someone who won’t just see her, but will fight for her. She needs someone dog-savvy, patient, and kind—someone who understands what it means to bring home a dog who has never known anything but a shelter. Though she has done well with some dogs, we think she would be best to start out in a home with no other pets and adults or older teens. We know there is someone out there who can change her life. We hope this reaches them, so that she can find them soon. 📍 Main Line Animal Rescue 🗺️ 1149 Pike Springs Rd, Chester Springs, PA ⭐️ Kennel #2857 🖥️ www.MLAR.org ⏰ Open daily from 12-5pm 📧 adoptions.mainline@pspca.org 📌 Apply onsite or in advance: www.mlar.org/adopt-application
Posted by Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR) on Thursday, March 6, 2025