Prolog:

The smoke was getting stronger, the fire was getting bigger. The puppy looked anxiously for a way out, but he was surrounded by fallen flaming boards. All hope was lost; he lay on the floor, closed his eyes, and let out a faint whimper.

Outside, sirens were screeching, and people were crying. One particular family was huddled with a fireman, praying. Just a few minutes ago they had been happy, cuddling with their new puppy on a cold Christmas Eve next to the fireplace. Everything happened so quickly; an explosion, heat, and yells from outside.

No, screams. The firemen pulled the young girl and boy out, along with the parents. But the puppy, covered in ashes, was forgotten; left behind in all the commotion.

Now the family had lost the thing they were so happy about.

Now the puppy had lost his only hope of love.

Five months ago, New York,

A Karelian Bear stray dog lay herself down under a park bench in the pouring rain. Thunder cracked, but this soon to be mother was strong. Even if she was to die, her puppies had to have life…they had to live. Footsteps were heard nearby and alerted the dog.

"Intruders!" she tried to bark, but was too weak. The human stopped at the park bench, and sat down. The dog whimpered out of her pain and fear. The human looked under the bench in confusion, and stared at the dog, as it stared back at him. Suddenly the man got up and ran far away. The dog didn't know if this was good or bad. Was he going to get the dog catchers? She had already faced so many of those, even in her condition. She lay her head down, about ready to give up. She felt some sort of sharp pain inject into her skin. Before she had a chance to attack, everything was black.

"It's done," said a veterinarian. Many whimpers of little Karelian Bear puppies overlapped each other.
"It's too bad the mother…didn't make it…" said a young woman.
"Yes, but, she already went through a lot and was struggling. Poor thing…" replied the vet.
"If you don't mind, Chris, I would like to keep one of the puppies. I think they're cute, and my kids would love it," she beamed at the crying creatures.
"Look, Lauren, I know your new here, but we need to do some tests first; they did come from a stray, and probably aren't pure breeds." Chris replied.
"Oh, of course, I understand."

1 month later, Christmas Eve:

"Kids, I have a surprise!" Lauren yelled through the house. Eight year old twins May and Max ran through the kitchen, almost slipping on the floor. They froze at the sight of the black and white puppy staring at them, tail wagging and tong panting.
"It's your Christmas Eve present!" said Lauren's husband, Tom, as he walked in. He gladly knew ever since the day they rescued the mother.
"Thank you mommy!" the kids shouted in sync.
"He's a Karelian Bear Puppy, surprisingly, pure breed!" Lauren said.
"Mommy, can we call her Princess?!" May asked, while petting the pup constantly.
"It's a boy, May, and we should call him T-Rex!" Max snapped.
"Mommy!" the girl whined.
"May, Max is right, it's a boy. But we should all agree on what we want to call him." Tom said.

So they made a list. Many names were put on it, and scratched off. Finally, the name was picked.

"Come here, Bear!" May and Max shouted with joy.
The puppy didn't know where to start! There were so many things to explore, and he already loved his new family and couldn't get enough of their hugs and kisses.

"Okay, kids, you need to go to bed if Santa is going to come and give you presents!" Lauren told her children.
"Please, mommy, just one more movie?" they pleaded, and Bear whined.
"Fine," she sighed.

So all was perfect for once.
The kids were falling asleep on their father's lap, and Lauren softly petted Bear. But it was all about to change.