Dog Of The Month January 2024 - Bear, The 16 Year Old Milwaukee Dog Who Ran Away From Home To Hang Out At His Favorite Bar

Fox Milwaukee - After a Milwaukee woman's 16-year-old dog disappeared from her backyard, she feared the worst. But fortunately, the shih tzu named Bear was located in the last place she expected.  Jenny Hazard's dog Bear has always loved adventure.  "When he was younger, he was a runner," Hazard said. 

Hazard thought that was a thing of the past until Wednesday night, Jan. 24. "It was kind of just getting dark. I was outside with all three dogs," Hazard said.  One minute Bear was there – and the next…

"I am looking and where’s Bear?" Hazard said.  The gate was cracked open – and Bear was nowhere to be found. "After about 15 or 20 minutes I was just in tears," Hazard said. "Because he’s old, he’s got a heart condition." Fearing the worst, Hazard asked people on social media to be on the lookout.  "He can’t go far in snow. I’m like where could he have gone, right?" Hazard said. 

Being the social butterfly Bear is…

"We get a text. They said – your dog is down at Finks. I’m like what? (laughs)" Hazard said.  Bear was just out for a cold one.  A friend of a friend sent Hazard a photo of Bear having the time of his life at Finks Bar (1875 N. Humboldt Avenue) – a mile from home.

This month was a tough race, as you'll see below in the dozens of submissions I received. There were some seriously cute-looking pups we got. 

But how can you not go with Bear here? You have to.

16 year old guy. Checking off the very last things on his bucket list, and he's probably been thinking about Finks for months now. 

Saw a small opportunity so he went for it. He took a shot.

Made his way to his favorite watering hole, and held court. That's what Bear does.

So congratulations to Bear from Milwaukee, this month's Barstool Dog Of The Month. And to all the good boys and girls. 

Dogs really are the best.

Runner up (once again) - Stella and her boy Big Cat. This is incredible work they're doing for shelter dogs in Chicago.

January's Good Boys & Girls:

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