Running Bear
Running Bear Bobcat
Male Bobcat
Born 6/2/1997 - Died 3/7/2022
Running Bear Bobcat Yawning
Running Bear is now with Little White Dove
3/7/2022 "Now they’ll always be together in that happy hunting ground," as their song goes. He was 24 years old and the last of the cats to be born at the sanctuary before we learned better and stopped breeding in 1997. You can post your tribute to this brave little bobcat in the comments at the bottom of this page.
Running Bear's Story
Running Bear was born in 1997. He was neutered and lived with Little White Dove until she died at the advanced age of 21. He pretends to be tough, but can't help but show his silly side when enrichment is involved.Most of our bobcats were rescued from fur farms where they were being raised to slaughter for their fur. Some were being sold at auction where taxidermists would buy them and club them to death in the parking lot. But a few, like Running Bear, were born here in the early days when we mistakenly believed the breeders and dealers when they told us that these cats should be bred for “conservation.”Once we learned that this kind of breeding does NOT contribute to conservation in the wild we began neutering and spaying our cats in the mid 1990’s and we became the leading advocate for focusing on preserving cats in the wild and not breeding these intelligent, magnificent animals for an unnatural life in a cage.
Running Bear & Little White Dove
by J.P. Richardson
On the banks of the river, stood Running Bear, young Indian brave.
On the other side of the river stood a lovely Indian maid.
Little White Dove was her name, such a lovely sight to see.
But their tribes fought with each other, so their love could never be.
Chorus:
Running Bear loved Little White Dove with a love big as the sky.
Running Bear loved Little White Dove with a love that couldn’t die.
He couldn’t swim the raging river, because the river was too wide.
He couldn’t reach his Little White Dove waiting on the other side.
In the moonlight he could see her blowing kisses cross the waves.
Her little heart was beating faster waiting there for her brave.
Chorus:
Running Bear loved Little White Dove with a love big as the sky.
Running Bear loved Little White Dove with a love that couldn’t die.
Running Bear dove in the water, Little White Dove did the same.
As they swam up to each other through the swirling stream they came.
As their hands touched and their lips met, the raging river pulled them down.
Now they’ll always be together in that happy hunting ground.
Chorus:
Running Bear loved Little White Dove with a love big as the sky.
Running Bear loved Little White Dove with a love that couldn’t die.
See More About Running Bear:
Hear some great vocalizations by Running Bear and Little White Dove in this Wildcat Walkabout Video on May 1, 2014 – http://bigcatrescue.org/now-big-cat-rescue-may-2-2014/
Most of our bobcats were rescued from fur farms where they were being raised to slaughter for their fur. Some were being sold at auction where taxidermists would buy them and club them to death in the parking lot, but a few, like Running Bear, were born here in the early days when we were ignorant of the truth and were being told by the breeders and dealers that these cats should be bred for “conservation.” Once we learned that there are NO captive breeding programs that actually contribute to conservation in the wild we began neutering and spaying our cats in the mid 1990’s. Knowing what we do about the intelligence and magnificence of these creatures we do not believe that exotic cats should be bred for lives in cages. Read more about our Evolution of Thought HERE
Tributes to Running Bear
Veronica Bukata Bless you for all you do to save these majestic cats!!!
Patty Hardtke ————————————ANGELS——————————————-
Alice Putnam Happy Birthday to Running Bear! He and Little White Dove look content…
Christen You will be greatly missed run fast and free sweet bear bear your friends and family are waiting for you on the other side of the rainbow
Barbara+Klos I know it hurts but he is with Little white dove and running free with her he will always be loved here and by all of use who watched GBU BCR
Sandy Run free with Little White Dove…❤️?. You will be missed. Condolences to all at BCR.
Lori Sanden SO sorry to hear of the passing of Running Bear!!! I just LOVED this little guy’s tough-acting attitude!! He will be greatly missed…..but it was his time. Thank you to all BCR staff who loved and cared for him throughout his life at Big Cat Rescue!! RIP Running Bear!! Run wild with Little White Dove!!!
Nikki RIP beautiful bobcats run free over ? bridge ❤??
Karin Hetzel As sad as that is for us, I am happy that you are reunited with the little wise dove. Now you are both young again and can enjoy the green meadows together. The sky has one more little star. R.I.P. And I wish the BCR a lot of strength and send my deepest sympathy. You took such good care of him and I thank you for that.
Marnie Mason Run free from old age pain beauties Running Bear. You will be missed!
Pam Mullen Oh Running Bear…….we knew you almost ready, but it’s still so hard. We take comfort in knowing you are with Little Dove now. We will always love & miss you. Thank you BCR for providing hi the comfort & peace to cross the rainbow bridge. We love you too.
Annmarie Stephens Bray It’s never an easy thing..to say Goodbye to the ones you love..Running Bear was a very very Special Bob. He was born at BCR and lived his whole life at BCR..At 24..he still walked around..but we all knew what was coming..Running Bear had an incredible strong life!He was known as Zombie Bear bc of his grumpiness…but that was who he was and we all loved him just the same.Thank you BCR for giving him such an Amazing full life…RIP Bear Bear..Now your running with Lil White Dove Finally Free.
Morgan Can not believe that running bear is really gone but not he is now in the wide open wilderness of his home land
Edith+G+Eckert Sweet Bear-Bear, we loved your grouchy side, we loved your tough side and we loved your silly side. We just loved you!!!! Little White Dove has been waiting patiently for you on the Rainbow Bridge. Go to her quickly now, there are no more old age pains and you can run like the wind with no cage to stop you two now. Run in Paradise sweetheart, you will be missed.
Gwen Buffkin Deepest condolences to all BCR staff all our hearts are broken on the loss of Running Bear. He will be greatly missed but always remain in our hearts. Run free sweet Bear Bear.
Jen Payne-Pin I will miss following you on your many shaky walks Bear, and watching you sleep, I loved watching you sleep. Rest now dear Bear Bear
Cathy Ryan Dear Running Bear, I am so glad that we got to see so much of you lately in the Kitten Cabana. We watched your trials on the slippery floor and the keepers being so diligent on helping you eat. Your body may have been failing but your spirit was still strong. Fly free now to your beloved Little White Dove and run free with her on the green grass (please share your lawn with the others) on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. You will always be a part of my heart.
Lily Djurvann That was beautiful Cathy. I was thinking so similarly. So sad, but expected, of course. I’m so glad we got to see him as he started packing his suitcases n making plans to have his second honeymoon with LWD. 🙂 I felt like we were keeping him company before the big move.
Brenda Bell Run free little one❤️
Jannie Ledergerber Thank you for giving these sweet cats a safe haven where they can live out their lives without fear. 24 years is a good life when you are loved. My deepest condolences on the loss of Running Bear. May we all meet again one day in that happy hunting ground.
Karen Frasure Dearest Running Bear, now you’re running free! Young forever! Chase the butterflies for as far as you can see! You were the last of a very special group of Bob’s and now you’ve joined your clan. Our hearts are broken… Yet they are happy for you are no longer enclosed for the first time. Say hi to everyone for me! Enjoy your wings of gold! And stay golden Running Bear. See you later sweetest boy… Run In Paradise❤️
Stephanie L. Jones I am so heartbroken to learn that we lost Running Bear this morning. I have loved seeing the tender interactions between Bear and Afton these past few days. Precious Bear-Bear, you had a very good, long life at BCR where you were loved and cherished. Now that you have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge, you are free from any pain or illness that you may have experienced. Run happily through lush, green meadows, reunited with your sweetheart, Lil White Dove. We will all miss you greatly.
May God bless and keep you, BCR family. Recently, you have endured the passing of several beloved cats, but please take comfort knowing they could not have had a better forever home. Thank you for everything you have done to make their lives in the sanctuary beautiful, safe, and stress-free. All of your cats, past, and present, have been and are truly blessed to be in your care. There is a special place in Heaven for all of you.
Diana It’s always heartbreaking when one of the beloved BCR cats crosses over the ? Rainbow Bridge, but we know they will no longer have any pain or suffering—they’ll be running free as they were meant to be. Running Bear had the best life ever at BCR and lived a good long life knowing he would always be taken care of and loved. Now he and Little White Dove are reunited and will be together for eternity. My sincerest condolences to all of you at BCR on your loss—I know you all loved Running Bear and will miss him, as will we all. ❤️
Diane Slosberg I loved the story of Running Bear and Little White Dove and the video’s. So sweet. My heart is filled with sadness for all of you at B.C.R. but thank you for the love you gave and give. He is at peace now with his Lady love.?❤
Pamela Miller Run free with Little White Dove, Running Bear. We will miss you while your spirit will soar.
Jill Bell My Condelences to BCR. Bear bear you will be missed. Glad you were made comfortable your last days. Hugs to Volunteers and Staff.
Ann-Marie Ross-Cooper After watching his video and interactions with Afton yesterday and seeing his fur covered in white with a few black spots showing, I realized we wouldn’t have Running Bear for long. I thought it might be the end of this year when we say goodbye. But, I did not know it was the next day that we would all be saying farewell to this handsome bobcat. He could not walk well, and he did not want to eat, but now he is running and playing with his mate Little White Dove both running free together. I will miss you, Running Bear, but I know you are happy, and maybe someday I will see you again over the rainbow bridge.
With Love to you both and everyone at BCR, my prayers are with you.
Lori Brown Together forever now Running Bear and White Dove. You taught us so much
Michelle E Condolences to everyone at BCR. Run free Bear Bear❤
Lauren Kramer My heart is broken. I know if this hurts me this badly that everyone at BCR is totally devastated. I loved him with Little White Dove. I loved him when she had to leave. Now they are together forever, no pain, no cages, just endless freedom to be what a bobcat is supposed to be.
Collette Robinson Fly with the angels sweet Running Bear. You’ll be missed but I take comfort in knowing that you are now with your beloved. Sending peaceful angels of light to those that loved him so very much.
Robyn FC Enos I’m so sorry for your lost.
Lisa So sorry to hear about Sweet Running Bear’s passing. He will be greatly missed. Run free little man and have fun with Little White Dove.
My condolences to everyone at BCR.
Tammie Oh Bear Bear. I will miss your grumbly hello’s to the camera when Brittany would show you to all your fans and fans of BCR. You run free now sweet boy. I love you and will miss seeing you ❤️
Judy Simon Running Bear, you were my favorite silly, grumpy old man…Run Free with Little White Dove.. We will miss you! I am so glad we got to see you in the cabana for a little while. Fly free Running Bear
Carol-Lynn Snowden Running Bear will be sorely missed. His feisty spirit brought me so much joy. Rest well, Bear-Bear.
Jennifer Highfill I’m so sorry for your loss. Run free Running Bear and Little White Dove. We will miss you.
Jeff Clark Running Bear and White Dove! Creative, inspiring names for two beautiful Bobcats! Now they are free in Bobcat Paradise! My condolences to all at Big Cat Rescue!
In 2016, Mary Nall offered to sponsor the memorial plaque for each cat unless they already had another Forever Sponsor. Mary wanted to recognize the people who had been caring for each cat and requested that their names, BETHANY SMITH, SARAH COPEL, JULIE RIDDLE, rather than hers, appear on the plaque. The black granite plaques moved with the cats to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.
