Bear's Bites Foundation

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Bear's Bites Foundation

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The Bear's Bites Foundation was created to help people with emergency needs for the pets. A few years ago Mike and I had a dog named Tank.

Tank got sick the last six months of his life and there were a lot of emergency trips to Aurora, Illinois to his specialist at VCA and many trips to the Tri County Animal Hospital here in Peoria and he got to see his vet Dr Ramirez a lot. As you can imagine this was very expensive. At the time we had to figure out how to pay for everything. After Tank lost his battle, Mike and I totaled his medical bills and realized that not to many people could spend the money on their animals like we had just done. We decided then that one day we would do something to help families pay for their emergency medical bills for their fur families. Jump to August 1st of 2020. The very first Bear's Bites Foundation Event was held. It took us a couple of years but we have started. We have an amazing board that is very passionate about helping families and their fur families. The Bear's Bites Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization. This means we are completely funded by donations.

10/09/2026

🍂🐾 FALL DOG SAFETY TIP: BE BRIGHT, BE SEEN! 🐾🍂

As the days get shorter and the sun sets earlier, our evening walks with our furry friends can become a little more dangerous.

With less daylight, dogs and their owners can be harder for drivers to see. Take a few extra steps to help keep your four-legged family members safe this fall!

🐕 Here are a few simple safety tips:

✨ Use reflective gear: Choose reflective leashes, harnesses, or vests to help you and your dog stand out in low-light conditions.

💡 Light up your pup: Consider a light-up collar or clip-on LED light to make your dog easier to spot.

🦮 Keep your dog leashed: Even well-trained dogs can be startled or distracted. A secure leash helps keep them close and away from traffic.

🚶 Choose safe walking routes: Stick to sidewalks and well-lit areas whenever possible, and cross streets carefully.

👕 Don’t forget yourself! Wearing bright or reflective clothing helps drivers see you, too!

A little extra visibility can make a BIG difference in keeping our beloved pets safe. ❤️

🍁 This fall, let’s make every walk a safe one!

🐾 Please share this post to help spread awareness and keep our furry friends safe!

09/03/2026

🎉🐾 WE MADE THE TOP 3! 🐾🎉

We are absolutely OVER THE MOON to share that Bear’s Bites Foundation has officially made the TOP 3 for the Peoria Community’s Choice Awards! 🏆💙

We truly cannot put into words how much this means to us. Every nomination, vote, share, donation, and word of encouragement has helped get us here. YOU made this possible! 🥹🐾

Bear’s Bites Foundation was created with a mission to help pet parents when they are facing some of the hardest moments imaginable—when their beloved pets need emergency or major veterinary care and finances become a barrier.

And getting to this point makes it even more meaningful because our Bear passed away earlier this year. 💔

We know Bear would be SO proud and probably wondering why everyone is making such a big fuss about him. 😂 But we also know he would be incredibly happy knowing that his legacy is continuing to help pets and families in need. ❤️

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU. Thank you for believing in Bear’s Bites, believing in our mission, and helping us carry Bear’s legacy forward.

Now let’s see if we can bring this one home! 🏆💙

09/02/2026

☀️🐾 HOT WEATHER = SERIOUS DANGER FOR DOGS! 🐾☀️

Summer heat can be dangerous for our four-legged friends. Dogs can overheat quickly, and heatstroke can become life-threatening in a matter of minutes.

Here are some important ways to keep your pup safe:

💧 KEEP FRESH WATER AVAILABLE
Make sure your dog always has access to clean, cool water—especially when outside.

🌳 PROVIDE SHADE & LIMIT OUTDOOR TIME
Avoid prolonged time outside during the hottest parts of the day. A shaded area is important, but remember that shade alone may not be enough on extremely hot days.

🐾 BE CAREFUL WITH HOT PAVEMENT
If the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Try walking early in the morning or later in the evening.

🚗 NEVER LEAVE YOUR DOG IN A HOT CAR
Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise dangerously fast. Leave your pets at home.

🏃‍♀️ SKIP HARD EXERCISE DURING PEAK HEAT
Choose shorter walks and less strenuous activities when temperatures are high.

🐶 KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
Watch for:
• Excessive or heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Weakness or stumbling
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Bright red, pale, or abnormal gums
• Confusion or collapse
• Seizures or unconsciousness

🚨 If you suspect heatstroke, treat it as an emergency and seek veterinary care immediately.

Some dogs are at higher risk, including brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs and Pugs), seniors, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with certain medical conditions.

❤️ When in doubt, keep them cool and safe!

🐾 Share this post to help another pet parent keep their best friend safe this summer! ☀️

08/21/2026

LAST DAY TO VOTE!

Today is the last day to vote for the Bear's Bites Foundation for Best of the Best Nonprofit!

Follow this link https://pjstar.gannettcontests.com/2026-Peoria-Communitys-Choice-Awards/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT1MXZwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMUFnUzlrQ3gwWU9WbXVzN1hzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeHh4KXs9r5cokmLg6EmdkXNMWJuqC3WDr05KGB8RhxNDeWszfX08jwp7Jw5o_aem__vD9viRNBgWsZF8oqhk6tQ

Then go to Services, then non profit and vote for Bear's Bites Foundation!

You guys rock!

08/19/2026

🐾💜 DID YOU VOTE TODAY?? 💜🐾

Bear’s Bites Foundation is honored to be nominated for the 2026 Peoria Community’s Choice Awards! 🏆

We are in the running for:

🐾 BEST NON-PROFIT/CHARITY ORGANIZATION
📍 Service Category

And now we need YOUR help to bring home the win! 🙌💜

🗳️ TOP 5 VOTING IS OPEN NOW!
⏰ Voting closes August 21st

YOU CAN VOTE EVERY DAY!

👉 VOTE HERE:
Peoria Community’s Choice Awards

https://pjstar.gannettcontests.com/2026-Peoria-Communitys-Choice-Awards/

But we want to make this voting round even more fun… 👀🐾

📸 AFTER YOU VOTE, COME BACK HERE AND COMMENT A PICTURE OF YOUR PET! 🐶🐱🐰

We want to see the faces behind the reason we do what we do! ❤️

Whether you’ve adopted, rescued, donated, volunteered, shared our posts, used our assistance, or simply believe in our mission — THANK YOU.

Every vote helps us continue making a difference for pets and the people who love them. 🐾💜

VOTE. SHARE. THEN SHOW US YOUR PET! 📸🐾

Let’s fill the comments with our Bear’s Bites family! 🥰

We couldn’t do this without YOU! 💜🐾

08/17/2026

💜🐾 HAPPY NATIONAL NONPROFIT DAY! 🐾💜

Today, we’re celebrating the heart behind every nonprofit — the people who show up, give back, and work every day to make a difference. ❤️

At Bear’s Bites Foundation, our mission is to help pet parents facing emergency and major veterinary expenses so that financial hardship doesn’t have to mean losing a beloved family member. 🐶🐱

We are incredibly grateful for every person who has donated, shared a post, volunteered, supported a fundraiser, or simply believed in what we’re doing. You are the reason we can keep helping. 🐾

And today, we have one more BIG favor to ask… 👀💜

🏆 DON’T FORGET TO VOTE FOR BEAR’S BITES FOUNDATION!

We are honored to be nominated for Best Non-Profit/Charity Organization in the 2026 Peoria Community’s Choice Awards!

🗳️ Voting is open NOW through August 21st!

👉 Vote here:
https://pjstar.gannettcontests.com/2026-Peoria-Communitys-Choice-Awards/

Every vote helps shine a light on our mission and allows us to continue making a difference for pets and the people who love them. 🐾💜

Happy National Nonprofit Day — and THANK YOU for believing in Bear’s Bites Foundation! ❤️

Address

3814 N. Main Street
East Peoria, IL
61611

Website

http://www.bearsbitesfoundation.org/

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