Found! home Safe July 9th.

Name: Bear
Breed: Bernese Mountain Dog
Age: 3 years
Gender: Male (intact)
Weight: 75–80 lbs
Color/Markings: Long-haired, wearing a purple bandana and a yellow “Pooh Bear” collar (not always visible). Distinctive double dew claws on back legs.

Disappearance Details:
Bear went missing on the morning of Monday, July 7 from his home at 18146 Staunton Turnpike in Smithville, West Virginia. He was last seen lying beside a vehicle in his yard while his family was feeding livestock. Known as a “Velcro dog” who never leaves home, his disappearance was highly unusual and concerning.

He is not microchipped, was not dragging a leash, and has a very skittish temperament — especially around men. Bear prefers women and is not friendly with strangers.

Recovery Update – July 9, 2025:
After nearly 47 hours missing, Bear returned home safely on his own just after noon on July 9.

According to his owner, she heard a car door but did not see a vehicle. Moments later, Bear came running up the bank from the roadside and into the yard. It is unclear whether someone gave him a ride or if he simply found his way back on his own, but he is home, safe, and doing well.

No drone flights or trap deployments were required in this case. The response was focused on social media support, helping spread Bear’s story, and ruling out worst-case scenarios through regional awareness.

PSA Involvement:
Pet Search Alliance and MOV Drone Workz monitored the case closely. A drone thermal search was on standby, but due to distance and lack of sightings, field deployment was not initiated. Instead, we focused on broad social media outreach, which helped keep Bear’s case in front of thousands of eyes.

Thank You:
We extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who shared Bear’s story, left comments, contacted the owner, or followed the case. Your support matters.

Bear is home — and we’ll be ready for the next one.

How You Can Help:
Even if you're not in the immediate area, you can still make a difference. Please consider sharing this page with a friend, family member, or local group — especially anyone near Smithville or along Staunton Turnpike. A single share could lead to the sighting we need.

Pet Search Alliance is actively supporting this mission and others like it through volunteer hours, drone searches, equipment, and outreach. If you'd like to help fuel our work and bring more pets home safely, please consider making a donation using the link below.

Thank you for standing with Bear and the families we serve.