"He had no hair. He looked like an elephant - only raw red instead of gray. He was in terrible shape." That was Tanya Roberts' first impression of Bear, a 2 year-old golden retriever mix, brought in to the Oregon Humane Society several months ago. 

The stray dog was suffering from a severe skin infection and came to them from another shelter. He was very scared, and his foster mother Veronica Broadley says he had almost given up hope. "I think he forgot what it felt like to be just a regular dog."

Under Broadley's care for three months, Bear is slowly opening up and his fur has grown back. She says, "the light came back into him." Whereas before he could not handle anyone touching him, now he's doing better, especially when treats are offered. 

Broadley says her job is done, but it will be difficult to say goodbye. "It's not easy giving him away, but it's my job to give him away," Broadley said. "So it will be satisfying when I can see him loved by someone else and choose to love and trust someone else."

Roberts says Bear will need a special family to look after him. He will do best in a calm and quiet home without children. Bear still has got a way to go, but with the right family and someone he can trust, Bear has a lot of love to give back. 

"He's a fixer-upper sort of dog," said Broadley. She figures she got a foundation and framework set for Bear. "And now he's ready to be spiffed up by his new family." 

If you'd like to learn more about adopting Bear, call the Oregon Humane Society at 503-285-7722 or visit their website to find out more about Bear or to make a donation. 

• Oregon Humane Society