“People are born so that they learn how to live a good life – like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long as we do.” - UNKNOWN

Bär Thomas (pronounced Bear, but German *wink*), a 15-year-old German Shepherd, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 1st, 2024. He was, of course, the best boy in the world.

The first part of Bär’s life was terrifying and tragic. He was the only surviving pup from his litter, as his mother and all of the other puppies were actually shot to death by their original owner for unknown heartless reasons. He was rescued by a friend of his eventual owner, who in turn surrendered him to Josh Thomas.

While his puppyhood was scary and terribly sad, Bär went on to be a loving, brilliant, and fiercely loyal companion. Josh and Bär quickly became best friends, growing up and changing side-by-side. They had over 13 happy years together, thick as thieves.

When Bär was about 6 years old, he joined his dad in a new relationship and family, moving from Champaign to Rantoul, where he lived with his mom, dad, human-sister, and cat-sister. Not long after he moved to Rantoul, Bär also gained a dog-brother, Porkchop, a bulldog/pitbull mix. Together, they had many happy years. You could often find them chomping at the water streaming from the hose, playing fetch or tug-o-war in the sunshine, or snuggling together in their bed.

Porkchop preceded Bär in death very unexpectedly on January 31, 2024. Bär and Porkchop are survived by their dad - Josh, their mom - Ali (who works as a funeral director and care advisor at Central Cremation Center), their human-sister - Duckie, and their cat-sister - Cat’n Kirk.

Bär could not have been loved more deeply. His family would have happily looked after him forever but are relieved that he is no longer hurting or struggling to walk.

He was the best of the best, no one could ever take his place.

THANK YOU, BÄR, FOR EVERYTHING.

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie The Pooh