A Round of A‑Paws for Bear Claw

With a name like Bear Claw, you might expect a giant, lumbering fluffball. But the real Bear Claw is a small, sweet, slightly goofy little guy — the kind of dog who fills a home with love, snuggles, and a whole lot of personality.

So when he suddenly couldn’t pee for three days, his mom, Sara, knew something was seriously wrong. He was straining, uncomfortable, and just not himself. As she put it, waking up one morning to a pet who suddenly seemed lifeless was “one of the scariest feelings” she’s ever had.

A Scary Diagnosis No Family Wants

At an emergency clinic, Sara learned that Bear Claw had bladder stones blocking his urethra, a life‑threatening emergency for male dogs. He needed surgery right away.

But after already spending thousands trying to get answers, the cost of the procedure was more than her family could manage. She was heartbroken. Bear Claw is part of their family; he goes everywhere with them: the beach, sledding, exploring new places. He’s the snuggler, the comforter, the constant companion. Losing him wasn’t an option. 

Bear Claw at Mission

Finding Mission and a Way Forward

That’s when Sara found Mission Animal Hospital. She came in scared, exhausted, and hoping for a miracle. Mission was able to step in and make Bear Claw’s surgery possible without forcing Sara to choose between her dog and her budget.

And Then Came the Moment None of Us Will Forget

Bear Claw’s cystotomy went smoothly. Our team removed the stones, made sure he could pee again, and helped him wake up gently and comfortably.

And then came the moment that still makes us smile: when we brought Bear Claw out to his family after surgery, Sara and her kids started clapping. Pure relief. Pure joy. After days of fear and uncertainty, they finally had their boy back.

A Family’s Gratitude

Later, Sara shared:

“I was battling between financial decisions and was able to find Mission, and you saved my dog’s life. Bear Claw’s life is worth every dollar and tear I shed. I cannot thank all the people who helped him survive.”

Bear Claw’s story is exactly why Mission exists: to make sure families don’t have to say goodbye simply because care feels out of reach. It’s about keeping pets and their people together, even on the hardest days. Because they are family!