Special Report
These are the words of the Great Mother Bear as she spoke them to JB in the forest.

"You came looking for balance JB. But I can tell you that no bear is an island, and to be balanced you must blend with a community where all the parts fulfill a role and the good and less good of each member of the community balance each other.

In the world of bears you have found such a community in the Cuddly Council, and as the wisest bear in the world I have been watching you all these past months and years. It fills my heart with gladness to see this community grow and provide an example for bears across the planet.

You JB are the spirit of adventure that infuses each of the others with creativity. You are forever young and the other bears watch you closely, albeit because your antics scare the heck out of them and they are never sure what you will do next.

Snuffy the Great lends finesse and a fine sense of grooming. His deserved fame as a bear of good taste is a shining example to bears everywhere. I feel sure he will continue to set new standards in couture for the bear world. His choice of servants shows a somewhat suspect level of judgement, but good help is hard to get these days.

English bear brings a sense of order and protocol to the group. His leadership has helped forge the organization of the council and his less than subtle aversion to work has ensured that everyone else gets plenty of involvement in council matters. I would say that I have a high opinion of English as an administrator, second only to the high opinion he has of himself.

Vincent represents balanced youth. He has shown good judgement in choosing a young servant who does not yet have the common failings most humans eventually succumb to. He has the opportunity to mold his servant in the wise ways of bears and save her from the pitfalls of human chaos and incompetence.

Bilbo is the voice of moderation. As the oldest bear he has had many years living in the world and his keen observations are testament to the need for kindness between bears. His acceptance of humans is helped by his writing, which serves to increase the awareness of other bears about their servants, while purging him of negative feelings about the twits he lives with.

Gilbert represents the simple normality of the average bear. His adventures and mishaps are examples of a straightforward view of the world and an honest emotional response to his environment. He likes what he likes, and to heck with anyone else. He is a shining example of what you have called “The inner Bear.”

The Don speaks quietly but with great effect. He brings family values to the council and his dedication to ensuring council policy is followed is to be applauded. I don’t want to say too much more about The Don as even Great Mother Bear feels a little uneasy about a visit from Jimmy the Rabbit.

These are my words of encouragement to you JB. Take them back to the council with warm best wishes from Great Mother Bear. In time to come I hope you will visit again. And next time bring some red wine with you."