After a black bear slashed a Connecticut man’s chest as he was walking his dog in North Canaan last week, the debate over bear hunting in the state once again heats up.

Bear, a 3-year-old German Shepard, is Bell’s right-hand man. The two have been together for about 2 1/2 years. “He’s just like any other member of the family. He means a lot to us,” he said.

Bear relaxing at home after an eventful weekend. The Belton Police Department confirmed Monday that Bell's vehicle was recovered around 12:30 p.m. Sunday near East Armour Boulevard and Locust Street.