Bear passed away on January 2, 2026. His legacy ensures no family has to choose between love and cost when saying goodbye to their pet.
Every day, pet owners in Maryland face difficult choices: their pet is at the end of life, and they can’t afford private humane euthanasia or cremation. Too often, they must watch their companion suffer, delay care, or surrender them, sometimes choosing services that don’t allow them to be present. Many pets are mass cremated with no way to reclaim their ashes, all simply because the cost is out of reach for many pet owners.
Bears Legacy Pet Foundation exists to change that story.
I have spent much of my career in animal rescue and as an Animal Services Officer in Maryland. This type of work shows how fragile life is and how often financial barriers stand between pets and dignified end-of life care.
As a teenager, I rescued a ferret hit by a vehicle which had a profound impact on my life, eventually leading me to a career in animal welfare. Years later, I adopted Bear, a Rottweiler whose boundless love changed my life forever.
Bear’s Legacy Pet Foundation ensures families can make compassionate choices guided by love, not cost.
- Angel Ricketts, Founder
Bear (also known as CareBear) was more than just a dog. He was a companion, a best friend, and the truest example of unconditional love.
I adopted Bear from the Montgomery County, Maryland shelter, where he had arrived wearing an eight-pound chain around his neck. The moment I removed it; Bear chose me as his person.
From that day on, Bear and I shared countless moments of joy, comfort, and love, living happily together until his passing on January 2, 2026.
Bear’s final month was spent in and out of his veterinary practice for exams and medical treatments. Despite constant care, his rear legs eventually gave out, and I was faced with the heartbreaking decision to let him go, to prevent suffering and protect his quality of life.
Through Bear, I learned firsthand how deeply important it is for pet owners to have the means to honor their pets with dignity, love, and compassionate care at the end of life.
“Bear’s loving end-of-life appointment made me think about the financial barriers so many Maryland residents face when their pets are at the end of life,”
“During my years as an Animal Services Officer, I witnessed countless residents whose financial struggles impacted their ability to care for their pets during and at the end of life. I knew Bear would want other animals and their people to receive help in his name. The financial barrier between families and dignified goodbyes is real, widespread, and devastating, but together, we can change that.
This foundation is Bear’s legacy. Every family we help and every pet who receives dignity at the end of life honors Bear’s memory.” – Angel Ricketts, Founder.
Bear may have crossed the 
Rainbow Bridge, but his love continues to guide the foundation every day, helping animals and their people experience compassion, comfort, and respect during life’s most difficult moments.
Focused Mission, Maximum Impact
Here When It Matters Most
We support individuals facing end-of-life costs they simply cannot afford
Covers private cremation for one pet, depending on size
Even $25 helps us get closer to serving the next family in need.
