In Loving Memory of Bear
In Loving Memory of Bear Dorset Donleavy
April 17, 2014 – January 2, 2026
Bear was more than a dog. He was my soul dog, my constant, and the heart of our family. From the moment he entered my life, Bear brought with him good boy energy, deep loyalty, and a love that felt limitless.
Bear had a way of making people feel seen. Through his steady presence, soulful eyes, and quiet understanding, he left an imprint on everyone who knew him. He was a best friend, a protector, and the soul of our home.
The Beginning
Born on the side of a country road in Arkansas, Bear began his life as a puppy named Ace. He was rescued with his litter and lovingly nursed to health before finding his way north to his forever home in July of 2014. Just days after arriving in Boston, Bear fell critically ill and was diagnosed with Parvovirus. After several days in intensive care at MSPCA Angell, Bear defied the odds and recovered, a strength that would define him for the rest of his life.
Renamed Bear, he quickly revealed himself to be an old soul. From the very beginning, he was remarkably well behaved, calm, gentle, and eager to please. He somehow knew all of his commands without ever testing boundaries. He never barked, never chewed anything he should not have, and transitioned seamlessly into crate and potty training, as if he had always known how to be part of a family.
Bear spent his early days at the Carleton Dog Park, sometimes twice a day, while Jenna searched for her first post college job. Wherever she went, Bear was in tow, her constant shadow and steady companion.
In the winter of 2015, Bear carefully vetted his dog dad upon arrival. Later, with observant patience and a touch of reluctance, he welcomed Knox and Harper into the chaos, taking on his role as the calm center of the pack.
The Middle
Bear loved the simple joys of life, being close to his people, feeling the air change with the seasons, and sprawling out in the sunshine. Home was wherever Bear was, which often took us beyond the city to his favorite places, from Orleans on Cape Cod to the mountains of Dorset, Vermont.
He was happiest outdoors, stretched out in summer sunshine or planted firmly in winter snow. While he carried himself with quiet dignity, Bear had his playful quirks. He loved butt scratches so much that when you found the right spot, he would rise onto his tiptoes, tail straight up, dancing with pure joy.
One of Bear’s greatest talents was giving hugs. He would press his head fully into you, resting his face in the crotch area (lol) eyes closed, completely trusting and at peace as you pet him.
Bear lived a life full of adventure. He traveled to Aspen twice, explored Charleston, South Carolina, road tripped to the Outer Banks, and visited Naples, Florida many times, where he enthusiastically hunted lizards through shrubs and gardens. He spent countless days exploring New England and visiting pet friendly properties across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island, and even embraced the energy of New York City.
Closer to home, Bear had his Boston favorites, any public park, squirrel patrols through the Common and the Garden, and his younger years spent at Urban Hound. He especially loved walking to his dog grandma’s for rooftop BBQs and visiting his dog aunts and uncles, where extra attention was always guaranteed.
Bear was the star of our wedding, spending the entire weekend alongside his dog siblings, walking down the aisle, greeting guests, and soaking in every moment. He moved with us from the Back Bay Avalon to Appleton Street, then Dartmouth Street, and spent the final seven months of his life in our home on West Canton Street.
Through @knoxandbear, Bear experienced opportunities few dogs ever do, including boarding the Cunard Queen Mary, participating in private jet photoshoots, enjoying extended stays on Cape Cod, and collaborating with brands that allowed him to explore pet friendly homes across the country. He met The Dogist twice, visited some of the most beautiful hotels in the country, and enjoyed countless five star moments, including many well earned doggie room service orders.
The End
Bear was first diagnosed with oral melanoma in April of 2024, a diagnosis he faced with quiet bravery. Following surgery and treatment, he was considered in remission. On his 11th birthday in 2025, he was met with a devastating diagnosis of splenic hemangiosarcoma.
True to who he was, Bear did not give up. He bravely endured five rounds of chemotherapy and weekly integrative treatments with Dr. Schwartz of Rooted Integrative Vet Care over nine long months. When his body could no longer keep up, he let us know he was tired.
Even in his final days, Bear remained strong, present, and deeply loved. Though his body was failing him, he gave us the gift of one last holiday season together. Unable to play in the Vermont snow he loved so much, he stayed close, offering comfort simply through his presence. On January 2, just into the new year, Bear was ready to rest.
While eleven and a half years with Bear was far too short, the impact he made will last forever. He taught us about unconditional love, presence, and the profound bond that only a soul dog can create.
Bear is survived by his loving family and his fur siblings, Knox and Harper, who will forever carry his spirit with them. He leaves behind a space that can never be filled, but a love that will never fade.
Run free, sweet Bear. Chase all the squirrels.
You were and always will be so deeply loved.