Silver Beard Spotlight

“Bear”

Born: September 18, 2013 • Passed: August 21, 2026

Owned and loved by: Blake and Kim Oliver

Bear was born September 18, 2013 at War Bouviers in Oklahoma and came home to us on December 26 as our first Bouvier. At 28 pounds, with a plump backside, he looked like a bear cub. The name stuck.
We never thought of him as a show dog, though he looked the part. He was our companion. Bear loved chasing squirrels, swimming, running and being outside. After we moved to the country, he herded and harassed the stray chickens.
Bear was easy to train and had a keen intuition. He was a fierce protector and stood between us and danger even when he was frightened. Visitors he did not know got a loud bark and his front-leg hop to let them know he was watching.
At his peak he weighed 117 pounds and felt like solid muscle. After age nine we brought his weight into the mid-90s to help his joints. By fall 2025, standing and walking were difficult, and running was over. He still loved lying under his favorite oak tree and never complained.
Bear passed unexpectedly and peacefully while resting at the groomer’s on August 21, 2026, 28 days short of his thirteenth birthday. 4,622 days. That is the number we were blessed with. I am honored to have been entrusted as his caretaker. There will never be another like him.

What is a “Silver Beard”?

A Silver Beard is a Bouvier who has reached their 12th birthday.

Longevity is an important part of our breed legacy and the Bouvier Health Foundation has been honoring
our “senior citizens” for over 15 years. We honor any purebred Bouvier that has reached its 12th birthday.

How do I have my best buddy honored?

Send the following information to the Silver Beards Coordinator, Georgia Edwards at gedwards@whidbey.net:

Their name, call name, date of birth and if they have passed tell us the date of their passing.
A photo of your best friend. Candid is preferred.
A short statement about what makes your best friend extraordinary. What have they accomplished in their long
lives? Do they have any special friends? Do they have a particular job to do? Any funny stories to tell?
Please include all the names that you would like listed under “Owned and Loved By:”

Do I have to be a member of the American Bouvier des Flandres Club to participate?

No, any purebred Bouvier anywhere in the world is welcome.

Can you help me write about my dog?

Yes, we can. Just email Georgia and she’ll help you put your best friend into words.

Let’s celebrate our senior citizens!

Tell Us About Your Silver Beard