Bear II's Web Page

Labrador Retriever (short coat)  : :  Male (neutered)  : :  Young  : :  Large


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Learn more about the Labrador Retriever.

About Bear II

  • Status: Adopted!
  • Species: Dog
  • General Color: Brown/Chocolate
  • Color: tiny patch of white on chest / Patches
  • Eye Color: Brown
  • Ear Type: Droopy
  • Tail Type: Long
  • Current Size: 53 Pounds
  • Potential Size: 55 Pounds
  • Current Age: 8 Years 4 Months (best estimate)
  • Fence Required: Yes(6 foot)
  • Declawed: No
  • Housetrained: Yes
  • Obedience Training Needed: Has Basic Training
  • Exercise Needs: Moderate
  • Grooming Needs: Low
  • Shedding Amount: Moderate
  • Owner Experience Needed: Breed
  • Reaction to New People: Friendly

12/28/16 Bear is now 13 months old.  He is a very happy boy, he loves people and other animals, and he loves to snuggle.  He is mobile as much as he can be.  He rests when he needs to and then he gets up again to walk unassisted. He can walk up to 100 feet without assistance.  He has gained more weight and now weighs 47# (a gain of 15# since his arrival into LEARN).  He was neutered 12/13/16.  CNM disease usually has shown all it's traits by 1 year old, so it's possible that Bear will not develop any further issues. There are CNM dogs who have lived to ages 8 years and 13 years, so he could have a long life. Bear does not have a heavy coat, so he can't be outside in cold weather for long periods. We keep a close eye on him and bring him indoors after short jaunts outside in the yard. If he has trouble due to the cold or if the ground has ice, he may need to be carried into the house or at least assisted, but he tries his best to do it all himself.

We're biased, but he is one very special lab.  To us, CNM does not define him because we've gotten to know the funny, quirky, lovable boy that he is.  For a dog who had a terrible start in life, he sure is loving and sweet.      

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Bear, a 5 month old Lab, was rescued by LEARN in April 2016.  He was surrendered because he was having difficulty standing.  LEARN had genetic testing done which revealed that Bear has CNM, Centronuclear Myopathy, an inherited disease resulting from a mutation in a gene (PTPLA).  This condition is also known as type II muscle fiber deficiency, autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy and hereditary myopathy. 

Bear received a pair of recessive genes from his parents and as a result is missing muscle fibers.  His prognosis is poor.  Bear will never recover from this disabling disease.  There is no cure and no treatment.  Dogs usually become non-ambulatory within the first year of life.  Respiratory complications can also develop.

In spite of his physical limitations, Bear has a wonderful personality.  Bear's foster family is determined to keep him comfortable for as long as possible.

This diagnosis is very sad news for Bear.  It is doubly sad to think there may be others in the litter with the same condition.  About 25% of the litter will contract the disease when both parents are carriers.  Another 50% of the litter will be carriers and could sire affected offspring if bred with another carrier.

Responsible breeders test their dogs for CNM prior to breeding.  If you are considering getting a Labrador puppy from a breeder, please make sure the breeder has tested the parents for this gene. 

If you would like to contribute to Bear's medical expenses, please click on the Donate button on the right side of our webpage.  Thank you.

More about Bear II

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats, Good with Adults, Somewhat vocal, Does Good in the Car, Requires a yard, Cratetrained, Plays fetch, Likes to play with toys, Likes to be in your lap, Drools, Prefers warm climate, Needs special care, Playful, Affectionate, Eager To Please, Intelligent, Even-tempered, Gentle, Needs a companion animal

Other Pictures of Bear II (click to see larger version):

Bear II Bear II Bear II