08/01/2026
The Story of Bear
On June 26, Annette reached out to Redneck Rescue Animal Recovery Services to ask if we assist with dogs whose owners are unknown. We do.
We soon learned that Bear had jumped from a vehicle near the Loveland Sports Complex, just south of Highway 34. After escaping, he successfully crossed the busy highway and settled into the Lakes at Centerra neighborhood. Over the following days, sightings placed him throughout the neighborhood—from north to south and east to west.
We connected with Vicki, and together we immediately developed a recovery plan. Two trail cameras were deployed to establish Bear’s travel pattern and determine the best location to safely place a trap. Vicki was instrumental in posting updates on the Lakes at Centerra community page, asking residents to report sightings directly to us and, most importantly, not to follow, call, or chase Bear.
The community response was incredible. Within 24 hours, we had received enough sightings to establish a consistent travel pattern, allowing us to strategically deploy a trap.
After the trap was set, Bear was not seen at the trap site for two days. When he finally returned, he showed very little interest in the food inside the trap. That told us he was still being fed elsewhere, making it much less likely that he would enter the trap.
Recognizing this, Vicki made another post asking neighbors to temporarily remove any food they were leaving out and allow the trap to be Bear’s only food source. We understand that feeding a lost dog comes from a place of compassion, but during an active recovery, it can unintentionally delay a safe capture. A hungry dog is far more likely to enter a trap than one whose needs are already being met.
Once the neighborhood rallied behind that request and everyone followed the same recovery plan, everything changed. Bear returned to the trap, entered it safely, and was successfully secured without incident.
Bear was then transported home to Greeley, where he was reunited with his very relieved and overjoyed dad.
Bear’s story is a perfect example of what can be accomplished when an entire community works together. From the residents who reported sightings, to those who removed food and trusted the recovery plan, every person played a role in bringing Bear safely home. We are incredibly grateful to Annette, Vicki, and the entire Lakes at Centerra community for helping make this happy reunion possible.
