Owner: Wendy Lake / Breed: Besenji / State: Michigan

Bear was the 7th of 8 pups born to Nala and Little Foot. He came into the world a feisty little guy and showed his competitive spirit that stayed with him as he grew older. He was the pup that would disrupt the milk bar so all had to move over, he loved to annoy the other pups and thought that was fun play time even though the others didn’t appreciate it. They would be sleeping, and he just had to wake them by taking a paw and bopping them on the head once or twice if they didn’t wake up. Sometimes life gets in the way of plans, such is the case with Bear and getting him to events. Still he accomplished so much. He earned over 40 titles and awards in AKC, UKC, ID, IWPA, NWDA, UPF (2014 National Point Champion) and of course W3PO. He was also a Champion Show Dog earning a Total Dog Award and making the Top Ten and All-Star lists. He also won a Halloween costume contest. Posthumously, Bear received a Versatile Basenji Award given by
The Basenji Club of America. Bear had beauty, grace, brawn and above all spunk. He loved to chase deer and hunt. That’s the only thing that tired Bear out. I regret not being able to take him to barn hunt events and coursing trials, he would have loved that. W3PO started when he was toward the end of his career. He competed in 2014 at the inaugural summits event where he won his class on snow making Bear the first 40lb class winner. He also pulled wheels at that first
summits where he tied for first and placed second on time. Even as he aged he achieved a Bronze Hall of Fame Award. Bear was a great companion, a true competitor, and a fun-loving Basenji with a willingness to please. Like many Michigan Seniors he retired and moved to Florida. We were extremely lucky
to watch Bear’s birth, honored to watch his life and saddened to face his passing. He is missed very much. This award will carry on his legacy. Good Luck to all 40 lb. teams and make sure to have fun as we did with Bear!