Dog Owner Profile: Caroline Garcia-Bowman

How did your dog become a part of your life?

My husband Thomas and I had always wanted a pup friend and knew adoption was a part of our story, but we wanted to wait until we knew we could give them the best life that they deserved responsibly.

We found ourselves like the rest of the world quarantined during the pandemic, with a lot more time and knew this would be the best way to onboard a pup into our life.

After many waitlists at pet adoption agencies and plenty “next in lines,” my dad came across someone on their neighborhood app giving up their dog, because they found their children allergic. We instantly fell in love with his floofy little face and chunky little paws. We met him at a park for the first time and left with our new best friend.

What makes your dog unique?

Bear’s most unique physical trait is his one black whisker on his right side of his little face. Because of the mix that he is he looks like a little cow when he rolls over for belly rubs with all his little black spots on his skin.

When he was a puppy, everyone thought he was a St. Bernard because of his many colors and how big he was.

Aside from that, his intuition in knowing when someone is sad and needs to be comforted has always been a part of who he is. He’s there quickly to lick your tears or hand you his paw.

What’s your favorite way to spoil your dog?

My favorite way to spoil Bear in the warmer months is picking up some “Frosty Paws” ice cream treats at our neighborhood H-E-B.

During the holidays, our favorite tradition is getting him a dog treat Advent Calendar from Wüfers. He already knows when he sees the box to go sit at our living room chair for a short story and his treat. It’s the cutest!

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a dog owner for you?

The most rewarding thing about being a dog owner is getting to love on this sweet boy and be loved by him. What a gift.

He will never know the ways that he saved me and brought me new purpose during one of the toughest times in my life during the pandemic. There’s nothing like being greeted by him at the end of a tough day.

I don’t think I’ll ever fully comprehend how us humans can be so lucky to be so unconditionally loved and seen with no flaws by our animals.

Tell us about your favorite thing to do with your dog in San Antonio.

My favorite thing to do with Bear is saying “Want to go on an adventure?!” When he hears this command the joy is like a kid on Christmas morning and he immediately runs to his harness and leash.

These adventures can be the simplest thing, whether it’s a visit to the Pearl Farmer’s Market, a car ride to pick up dinner, or a puppuccino.

We really love taking him anywhere that will let us. Recently his favorite is a stroll in Hemisfair to visit mom at work during weekend brunch service. Then he persuades mom into a short break to walk over to Paleteria San Antonio located in the park, where my husband and I will sit and share a paleta with him.