An 18-year-old black Lab named Bear Dog is well known around Castle Rock where he was often seen at the North County Recreation Sports Complex or joining fishermen along the Cowlitz River.

Owner Don Caulfield thought it was all over for Bear Dog a couple of months ago when his back legs stopped working. Caulfield couldn't afford the vet's $150 euthanasia fee. He considered shooting Bear Dog, but couldn't pull the trigger.

Then Bear Dog fell down the porch steps and miraculously regained the ability to walk.

A story about Bear Dog in The Daily News ( http://bit.ly/XDPRoQ) brought an outpouring of visitors and gifts of steak and dog bones. One woman says she'll cover his vet bills in his final days, including the cost of putting Bear Dog to sleep.

---

Information from: The Daily News, http://www.tdn.com