Noah (NoahBear, Noni, NoniBear, etc.) came into my life over 15 years ago, having been dispatched to the Central Oregon Humane Society after he was found wandering alone near the Prineville Reservoir. I was very young and had no business taking on the not insignificant responsibility of raising a border collie, but we made it somehow, my Bear and me. It didn’t hurt that he was so easy to love — uncommonly gentle, patient, and tender. Those who knew him, loved him. Caring for Noah in his twilight years as he slowly succumbed to cancer, though heart-wrenching, was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Noah taught me how to love unconditionally, as he did so effortlessly. He passed peacefully in our home May 23rd, 2022 with love and light surrounding him.