Finding a home for Bear

Gene Malovec of Boardman sits with Bear, a 2-year-old dog he found dodging traffi c on Southern Boulevard in June. Malovec said he wants to fi nd the dog’s original owner or a new owner because he isn’t in a position to keep him long-term.
BOARDMAN
Gene Malovec of Boardman was driving along Southern Boulevard on a Sunday afternoon when he spotted a large dog darting between cars on the 45-mile-per-hour road.
“He was confused and very afraid. ... It was just the way he was left out there, dodging the cars,” Malovec said, adding that the dog was nearly hit three or four times.
He pulled over, called to the dog and opened his car door. The animal jumped inside.
That was June 12, and since then, Malovec and his daughter, Renee Peloza of Poland, have tried to figure out who owns the 75-pound, black-and-brown dog, believed to be primarily a Tibetan mastiff, that was found without a collar.
Peloza posted listings on websites, such as Pet Finder, and created fliers. Malovec hung up the handbills in veterinary offices, grocery stores and on telephone poles.
He also contacted the police station and pound and had the dog scanned to check for an identification chip. Malovec even walked the dog around the area of Southern Boulevard and Charles Avenue where he was found.
“No one knows anything about this dog,” Malovec said.
Malovec and his family have begun calling the dog Bear, not only for his size but also because of his new collar. Malovec’s sister found a collar in Mill Creek MetroParks years ago that had a tag with the name Bear on it. When Malovec told her that he found a dog, she gave the collar to him.
While at the vet, Malovec had Bear’s shots updated and learned a possible reason why Bear might have been abandoned: He has heartworms, which can cost between $300 and $1,000 to treat.
Malovec said he will do his best to keep the dog healthy but said he isn’t in a position to keep the dog long-term.
“He will make a great dog for someone who wants a smart dog,” he said. Bear is housebroken and knows several commands, such as sit, shake and come.
“Someone must have loved him,” Peloza said. “He’s very mellow, he doesn’t bark, and he’s not afraid of people.”
Anyone with information about Bear’s previous owner or who is interested in adopting Bear can call 330-953-8792, or email Sonny711@zoominternet.net.